iCiNG Days Of Christmas: ModCloth!
[ 5 December 2008 ]
Happy Saturday, mes petites!
You will have all noticed the ModCloth advertisements which have run on iCiNG for the last year. ModCloth — & Susan, its owner — have been great supporters of me, & I am so appreciative for all their love & fabulousness!
Well, ModCloth have totally raised the stakes on their own awesomeness, because today they’re giving away a selection of goodies from their store to one lucky nonpareil!
Mais oui! You could be the gleeful winner of a mocha cupcake tote full to the brim with love from ModCloth, as well as an iron alarm clock, a feathers & falling leaves wallet & a Dot the owl necklace!
All you have to do to enter is tell us…
What was the best thing that happened to you this year?
As always, the contest is open to anyone on the planet, & you have 48 hours to enter! This one will be randomly drawn, too! Fingers crossed!
P.S. Please note that the giveaway dates for tut.com & Misikko have been swapped! The tut.com giveaway will now be on Sunday the 14th of December, & the Misikko contest will kick off on Monday the 8th! Thank you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Add Gala on Twitter!
I fell in love!
Travelling and then seeing all my friends at the airport to pick me up
This is one of those weird things, but it definitely happened this year and was the best thing that did.
I discovered sex. Good sex. Before that, I was always kind of one of those shy people in bed, reserved, afraid of being embarrassed. But I met a great guy, and things couldn’t be better! I think I’m so much more confident than I used to be, and it’s awesome.
(That was a little too personal!)
i’ll have to be boring ,cheesey, but honest…..
getting married to my boyfriend (of 5 years)....
(even if it was just a quick court house wedding)
This year I moved 3000 miles from Boston to San Francisco, without ever having visited on a total whim to go to art school and I love it here, my dreams worked out exactly how I wanted and I have never felt so lucky!
The best thing that happened was that I moved from the US to Japan.
Finally being away from drama and hangups, from people that I had depended on, forced me to stand alone and to suss out what was really important in my life.
It’s been wonderful, it has been painful, but moving here was the best and bravest thing to happen this year.
I moved out~!
Deciding what to do next with my life. Not very exciting, I know, but I’ve been stuck for a long time so it’s a big deal for me. January is when I officially commit to the choice I’ve made, which is terrifying, but also exciting.
Bonus info: this small epiphany took place while I was actually on this site, reading one of Miss Darling’s fabulously inspirational articles. Thank you, Gala.
Celebrating my one year anniversary with my husband – yes, I am a romantic fool :-) What can I say – it was meant to be… Of course, launching two new blogs rocks pretty hard too LOL!
It’s been a rough year but…
I finally get the change to go to New York City to ring in the new year! So that is on the horizon!
Hopefully this isn’t tooooooo cheesy, but…
I discovered iCiNG!!!
It has honestly improved my life in so many ways.
And a very close runner-up: My best friend and I met one of our favourite bands!! And after hearing talk that they, and the lead singer in particular, were not very nice people, they ended up being…..THE NICEST PEOPLE EVER. It pretty much made our year.
I was lucky enough to go to Australia for a week with my best friend.
At 17 it was my first holiday alone, without my parents & it could not have been more perfect!
The best thing that happened to me this year happened to my entire country: Barack Obama was elected president! I can’t even explain how this made me feel… proud, hopeful, enthused, estatic, encouraged, patriotic, I could go on and on. I’ve never experienced an election like this one, and after the previous 2, it was the most perfect thing that could have happened. Sometimes, all I need to do to boost my mood is remind myself that Obama is days away from beginning his presidency. For the first time in my life, I know what it’s like to really be proud of my President. There’s nothing that could replace that feeling.
I moved out of my parent’s house and into an awesome little apartment with my boyfriend and cat. It took almost half a year to find an affordable place in San Francisco with a pet, but it was worth the wait!
I flew from the Great Southern Land to a place full of history, mythology and beauty, Europe! For a month my boyfriend and i (First real trip away together) Backpacked around, learning languages, meeting oh so friendly locals, sampling the most amazing and authentic food and immersing ourselves in culture! So much saving and planning went into it, so into the month we crammed as much as we possibly could, france, switzerland, greece, italy, ireland and england, and we have never been so exausted as when we came back. It was during a really hectic time of the year (whoops!) but it was so worth it! memories still come flooding back… :)
Changing careers (from Sociology to Laws). I hated sociology, last year was aweful! But this year I started anew, I don’t dislike the career and…the most important thing, I have a new group of really awesome and fun girlfriends. I love them, they make me happy…first time in years that I LIKE going to the campus, knowing that I’ll see them! That is just too good :) It has been one of the most smarts decisions I’ve made!
The best thing that happened to me this year, moving out on my own. I grew up, learned hard things the hard way, but grew as a person, even if I didn’t actually grow any more centimeters.
i graduated college and moved from california to nyc and found an apartment within 5 hours and a job within 5 days :D
i fell pregnant with my first child. :)
Best thing? Probably adopting my two kittens!
The best moment for me was had to do with my move from Missouri to California. I stepped into the Pacific Ocean for the first time!
I turned 18!
Best thing that happened this year was when I saw Barrack Obama become president elect of the united states. It really suprised and overjoyed me.
A lot. Deciding what I really want to do with my life, deciding that I have no reason to have low self-esteem by realizing that I’m not ugly, becoming more upbeat and outgoing, getting closer to all my friends. And finally my newly found devotion to school which I now find incredibly interesting and fun.
I broke off a long term relationship that was slowly eating me alive. Since then I have…
+ Regained a social life.
+ Gotten a lot closer to a great deal more people in an insanely short span of time.
+ Gotten myself back on track with school.
+ Become more attuned to my and my friends’ needs.
+ De-stressed.
+ Begun to care about my body more.
+ Become more independent.
+ Stopped worrying about things out of my control.
+ Gained so much insight.
+ Finally started to feel like every single door is open for me
I met and fell in love with a lovely Canadian boy :) and he has changed my perspective on life, to be a more happy person and open to all new experiences
best thing – discovering icing – n I’m not even being a suck! I am dead serious! It has helped transform my thinking – kinda the icing on the cupcake as it were!
Runner- up – all the awesome growth & change that the teenagers I work with have achieved thru the course that I run for them! My job is the best in the world!!!
Usually I’m pretty quite and take a lot of things from people but this year I went to college and learned to start standing up for myself.
The best things that have happened to me this year have been:
-Finishing year twelve
-Going to Sydney and;
-Getting an acceptance letter into a fine art course I applied for! Yay!
Traveling through Europe with a bunch of friends and getting to know myself better on that trip. Letting go of my reservations and digging deep to find the confident creative person i have become now. It was a hard thing to do, let go of the person who was so submissive and shy and open myself up to the possiblities and opportunities for the successful happy life i am now living.
And meeting a boyfriend who complements me so well. Not to be cheesy but he is the black to my white and he keeps me focused and grounded when I want to slack off or obsess on the past or things i did. He makes me so happy and lets me have my own life.
I finally broke the chain of dating controlling people who made me feel uneasy and unconfident in our relationship.
Oh boy! 2008 was good to me :)
A crowd of 50 singing “Happy Birthday” to me around a campfire while I drank mulled wine. I could see my breath but it was beautiful.
I studied creative writing for the last two years, and recieved my diploma at the end of last year. This year, the plan was to work part-time and write part-time, but it didn’t really work out that way. I took a job in a field I’m not at all interested in, and ended up hating it, but stuck with it because the money was good. I did little to no writing at all. But then a couple of months a publisher approached me about re-publishing a short story of mine that I had written and had published while I was doing the course. And honestly, having my story re-published and going to the launch and being around other writers again really made me think about what makes me happy. So I gave notice to leave my job at the end of the year, and re-enrolled in the writing course for next year! I’m just doing two subjects, but I am so excited about it.
So, a little long-winded, but that was the best thing that happened to me this year. Having my published again, and sorting out my priorities. And of course, reading iCiNG gave me the inspiration and the courage to go through with everything. Thanks, Gala!
sigh… I fell in love also… :)
For once I fell in love with someone who loved me back. It’s been my best year so far.
I celebrated Obama’s election as our next president, in Berkeley, with good friends!
The best thing that happened to me was:
+Going to London for my first ever overseas trip! This trip also included:
*Meeting cute London Boys *Drinking tea while walking around Wimbledon *Riding a two deck red bus *Eating in parks *Seeing cute British guys taking their shirts off and enjoying the sun.
Another cool thing that happened was:
The Trip to Silicon Valley!
College!
I’m studying fashion at a school in Chicago and it’s AMAZING! I couldn’t be happier.
I love Modcloth, by the way :)
This year, I took the first steps into fulfilling a goal I’ve been yearning to carry out since I was a little girl. Now those first wobbly tip-toes are turning into leaps that are carrying me exactly where I want to go in my life. The best thing to happen to me, is meeting the mentor who gave me the chance to use my own will in order to take that first step.
(More specifically, I’m on my way to pursuing a career in theater!!)
finally got accepted to college, fell in love, finally got ankle surgery so that i could go back to dancing (i hadn’t in 2 years and i was the kind of person that spent over 30 hours a week at my studio)
I proposed to my boyfriend in a Gmail IM in LolCat language.
“DO WANT MARRIAGE?”
his answer
“DO WANT!”
We’re getting married on the beach in June, and having a reception full of Morrisey and Gogol Bordello songs!
the best thing that happened to me was deciding to be brave. i don’t succeed every day and it has led to a lot of painful moments but even they have helped enormously in my personal growth. and it has led to a lot of satisfaction and happiness and even a certain amount of wild joy.
I got to travel overseas for the first time ever.
I spent 3 amazing weeks in the French countryside and Paris. Then 5 weeks in London, running amuck with my massive new group of friends. Meeting The Mighty Boosh and them being so damn lovely. Going and finding out what I want and who I really am.
So yes trvaeling was the the best thing to happen to me this year and ever! (^__________^)
I reached one of my goals – moving to SF.
Oh, another:
Seeing thousands of people flood the streets of Chicago to celebrate Obama’s victory…and hanging out with the members of my favorite band on the same night!
It’s been a great year.
I met someone I’d known online face-to-face for the first time, and I fell for him hard. I said no when he asked me to date him, but changed my mind one day later because I realised he treated me better than any other guy I’d ever taken a chance on. Our 6 month anniversary is on Christmas day =]
Prepare for cheese:
Found the love of my life! The ridiculous, perfect beyond imagining, romantic, literary type of love that I never, ever thought I’d find. squeeee
Lucy- OMG that is hilariously adorable!!
I finally accepted myself for who I am, extra rolls, scars & all. Words meant to hurt me no longer work, I have accepted that I am beautiful the way I am. I found my life mission: To make people think deeply and understand themselves. To be the best Nana I can be, all the time.
I’m braver and more daring and better cause of all of this. I’m still growing up, but I trust that I’ll be somewhere amazing in the next ten years.
Is that cliche? At 17, I think it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, or could happen to a person. I feel beautiful & unique and I want everyone to feel this way.
p.s. you are an inspiration on this mission (:
The first best thing that happened to me this year was my dad’s death. It was a terrible, sad, lonely and heart-wrenching thing to go through, but it’s made me far more independent and strong. It gave me a chance to practice the good judgement he’s instilled in me. I’ve learned that there are things that I can’t change, but there are things I can do to make the best out of a situation I’ve been handed, and that’s just what I’ve been doing.
Also, I went on this wicked-ass road trip through the Kootenays of BC where my friends and I just slept in tents and bathed in lakes and truly lived out the hippy lifestyle. I recommend that everyone spends at least a week of their life being a dirty hippy bum.
This year I quit my part time job and began working on my independent jewellery label drink me, alice full time. It was a huge decision and one I struggled with for a long time.
The best thing that happened this year, after going through this life changing decision, was being nominated for – and subsequently winning – Best Accessory Designer in the 2threads Australian Fashion Awards!
I flew to Sydney where I attended the winner’s party and met lots of amazing people and got a fabulous trohphy as a monument to the occassion.
It was thrilling to be recognised and rewarded for persuing my dreams. I definitely made the right decision!!
I got MARRIED. I moved to Toronto, and adopted two baby kitties (brother and sister)
Meeting my soul mate. He guided me out of a horrid, abusive relationship and…it all fell beautifully into place.We both know this is a match made in heaven.
I got a job! A job that completely made me reconsider the path that my life is taking.
Getting my puppy which totally pulled me out of my depression!
I discovered WIRE- Women’s Information (www.wire.org.au), and I became a volunteer there one day a week. It is an amazing organisation that helps tens of thousands of Australian women needing emotional support and referrals. It aims to empower women to take control of their own lives and overcome structural gender inequalities. It has been an amazing and rewarding experience. xo
this year I got a job that I really love (for the first time) and it made me realize what I want to do with the rest of my life.
Bonus: I get to help people, which is something I’ve always wanted! :)
Tough question! A lot of great things happened this year…
The best thing that happened was I got over my fear of failure and enrolled as a Graphic Design major at my local community college. It was a huge step for me in achieving my dream, not my family’s dream, for me. I know it was the right decision, because I love my classes and I excel at everything I do. I am so incredibly happy and proud of myself.
i finished year 12, fell in love with a very special person, went snorkelling on the great barrier reef over sharks and bonded with a gorgeous 2 year old :)
The best thing I ever did was decide to go back to university. It’s a hard test of strength because I really want to drop out again but I need to finish if I want to continue to pursue my career goals!! I just need to keep remembering that the end product is worth all the trials and tribulations!!
I made a trip to a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN, way at the top of a mountain, to meet 30 friends I’d made through a blog.
We made a pilgrimage to Dollywood, cooked pad thai, performed impromptu show-tunes karaoke in the living room under a blow-up of Lindsay Lohan’s mugshot, stuffed so many of us in a hot tub that it overflowed, and generally marvelled at the circumstances that brought us all together.
These women went from being “my blog friends” to being “my friends”. I was in one of their weddings this fall, and I have never been more honored. Dammit, now I’m going to cry.
I’ve finally picked a major after two years of waffling! Hooray for milestones and feeling like my life has a direction now. :)
I moved to Brisbane and got a life. Best thing ever!
I did an amazing internship in my state Capitol, got engaged to a wonderful man, did an amazing internship working for my local Mayor, graduated with my Masters degree, got a fulltime jobthat I love, and married that wonderful man. All in that order!
Adopting my little boy Toby.
x
Meeting a new group of friends who, for the first time, completely accept me for who I am – and as a result, I accept myself for who I am now too.
I adopted a standard poodle!
My life was going nowhere. Fresh out of school, in Kelowna BC, the only job prospects I had were dead-end soul-killing jobs, and my landlord had sold the house out from beneath me! My only option was to take a job I’d hate, and move in with my dad, who is exceptionally negative. So I moved halfway across the country instead.
I moved because I had a long time friend in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and really, it was just a big coincidence. I’d just gotten into raw foods, and I had heard about how coincidences happen more often on raw. The prospect in Saskatoon looked bleak – It may be the biggest city in the prairies, but dammit it’s cold there! But in the end, the draw of a new adventure and the coincidences that led me there were too great and I moved. But that’s not the best thing! My friend brought along a friend of hers to help me move, a boy, Sean. Oh my god, it was love at first sight. I spent a month angsting over this poor boy, and then I ambushed him. We’ve been together ever since! It’s the best thing that has ever happened! I was sick horribly at the beginning of the year, and he took care of me. When I was well enough to work, I paid off his credit card, and in exchange, he’s supporting me now that I’m back in school. My life is getting on track, and I can honestly say it would be much much worse without his support and luff.
And he doesn’t mind when I squeal and point out pictures or read bits of columns from iCiNG!!
booking my wedding!
Spending until mid-July living in California! Soon it will be returning to visit in 3 weeks time =)
The best thing that happened to me this year was communicating well with my parents.
I moved from the U.S. to N.Z. two years ago and they constantly pushed and prodded at me to come home. I finally put my foot down in a big way to get them to lay off the guilt trips, and they actually listened! My life has been feeling a whole lot better with their support.
The power to say ‘no’ is immense!
Traveling outside the US for the first time. Israel no less!
He said yes
:)
this year i learned who my real friends are and got rid of the negative people/influences in my life. it is the best decision i have ever made. i am so happy :)
I discovered Twitter… & also Twitter-romance. My twitter-romance with BoyBug became real. We’re in love sigh :)
PS – good to see lots of ladies falling in love.. Yay!!
It seems a little backwards, but the best thing that happened to me in 2008 was surviving a horrific motor vehicle accident. My mother and I were hit by two separate eighteen-wheel semi trucks within fifteen minutes of each other. Just thinking about it makes me cry. I try to see it as a blessing, because our lives were spared.
Gala, your positivity has helped me to see that everything has positive benefits, and that everything can be seen as a blessing. We all have so much to be thankful for, and your grace and gratitude inspires me everyday. Thank you.
I bought a house with my husband of one year! It made me realize how truly lucky we are. :)
university has entirely changed my life around, new friends, leeds festival & ive experienced true happiness without the need of others!
my husband and i celebrated our first anniversary and fell even deeper in love and our beautiful daughter turned one.
so basically, i am truely happy. that is the best thing that happened to me, ever (not just this year). :)
Driving my grandma for the first time (she doesn’t live near me, and the last time she came down, I didn’t have my license yet). Living in Orange County, there’s a huge Vietnamese community here—much larger than San Jose, where she currently lives. I took her to “Little Saigon” and we had a great day out eating traditional food, walking about amidst the crowds of other people, and just finding random things to see, do, and snack on :) It was the first time that I’ve ever spent alone time with her while going out because, again, this is the first time I could drive her someplace! Later on that day, I took her shopping and bought her some winter items :) It was totally wonderful to get a chance to hang with her and brush up on my Vietnamese. I also had such a good time taking her out because she lives primarily on her own in San Jose—there are family problems so my relatives up there aren’t too close to her, some of the grand children are too young to fully appreciate her, and she doesn’t have friends up there—the Vietnamese community is also lacking majorly. So yup! That was the first thing that popped into my mind about the best thing that happened this year because I love her! And I’m determined to show her tons of love and appreciation for everything she’s given me in the past and present. :) I might have said “falling in love” if the whole thing didn’t turn sour, haha! Although that was a good thing, too, in its own way. :P
Oh man, it’s hard to chose… wow
I guess one of things that influenced all of the good things is I broke up with my boyfriend of a year and a half. This was a big deal because I’m 18 and he was kind of convinced we’d be together forever, but I felt completely trapped and stifled even though I still loved him. It was hard to say goodbye to someone I had spent so much time with, and I was terrified I would wind up completely lonely. That didn’t happen at all! Now, life is a whirl of casual dating and kissing with cute guys and actually LIVING during my first year at university ( a school i love that my parents didn’t really dig… it’s small, liberal, artsy, and feminist! woo!)
I also spent a lot of time developing my own line of headbands that’s sold at a local store and setting up on campus groups to stop the genocide in Darfur. I would have never had this time with the boy because he needed to be right by me 24/7. This is a bit of a rant but I felt “dumped my bf” would be a pretty sad answer to your question… aha.
oh, and I also discovered the best butter cheese croissant to eat for breakfast, and these tiny desserts called dulches. 2008 was a fine year, a very fine year…
I had the greatest across-Canada vacation to date!
A little less than 12 months ago, I spontaneously bought a plane ticket to Korea to visit my friend Colin who was living there, teaching english.
I had a completely amazing time but what was most important about the experience was that suddenly, the world wasn’t terrifyingly huge anymore. I never thought that I would actually ever visit Asia because it just seemed so far away (hello, other side of the EARTH) but then I got there and suddenly the other side of the Earth was only 15 hours away.
It basically changed my entire worldview, made me realize that nothing was impossible and that making excuses for not pursuing what I lusted after was… well, silly.
I’m moving to Seoul in 64 days :) :) :)
Working super hard, auditioning, and getting into music school! I’m so happy and lucky that I’m here.
My boyfriend moved in with me.
And we had some absolute hellish months to get through.
We made it! I and we grew so much in a bit of time than I have in any other situation or time frame.
Oh, and I also decided that I am going to be happy. Really, truly happy. I think that’s a big one in my life.
I decided to leave my career in science behind…Now I’m in grad school trying to become a filmmaker!
Finally graduating and getting my degree in history!
At the last minute and against seemingly insurmountable odds I landed an architectural internship over the summer.
Without it, I wouldn’t be able to graduate on time this spring.
i became pregnant with my first child ( it’s a boy, we found out this morning)! so far it’s been a smooth ride.
i also discovered this crazy little thing called blogging, and so far am in love with you guys/ gala, nubby, and jane from sea of shoes ( she’s adorable, and from texas, like me)
Definitely my Thailand/Malaysia trip.
Some highlights:
I saw the biggest city I’ve ever seen from the top of the Baiyoke Skytower in Bangkok.
I swam with a baby elephant at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Malaysia.
I saw the sunrise from a plane on the way home.
And made it home safe.
I’ve always been a negative depressed person. I don’t know it’s just the way I’ve always been.
Thankfully, I have an inspirational positive best friend named Stefanie….I truly love her. She knows that I’m reserved, but she wanted to take me out dancing and we ended up going to a rave. There I met amazing people that deeply cared and believed in other people. Ever since that night I just want to care about people and believe in myself. It sounds cheesy but letting loose and being yourself is the best thing to do.
-Twinkle
I gathered up my courage and finally started on my path to converting to Judaism. :)
to be honest failing school, i know it is weird but i have always been the perfect straight A student and i delibratly failed my last semester and it was the best feeling of my life, i finally stepped out of what society wanted me to be and did what i wanted for a change. Along the way i met some amazing people who now are my closest friends, i skipped to many classes to count and just enjoyed everything my city could offer me. it was the best decision i have ever made.
I stood at my grandma’s bedside as she took her last breath. Looking at her face the very moment she saw eternity completely changed my life.
I am no longer afraid.
My ‘best thing’ has been building up all year, leading up to today actually. As of this afternoon I am officially done with one chapter of my life. I am no longer a student (and am now a certified librarian) and I couldn’t be happier. I am so excited to see what life brings me next.
I really dig robots. When I first saw the movie trailer for Wall-E I burst into tears. I thought it was a funny reaction and so recorded myself watching the trailer later. I ended up having the same reaction (and STILL do). Some lovlies from Pixar ended up seeing my reaction and they invited me out as a guest to their Wall-E wrap party. It was extraordinary, to say the very least. One of the greatest adventures I’ve ever had so far. They are wonderful people.
I finally accepted my body for what it is and started embracing it rather than hiding it. (Thanks to a healthy cocktail of iCiNG and Ugly Betty).
I finally finished my 12 years of schooling and im off to uni next year ! Glee!!
xx
In the past year, I’ve dropped 50+ lbs. and 3 sizes! Lots of running, dancing and eating delicious, healthy foods. :D I feel like a better version of myself: fitter, stronger, sexier, happier, more confident, and totally LOVING myself! I’m not perfect by any means, but I am working hard to be the best person I can be, the best version of my true self. And in learning how to love myself, I opened the door for others to love me, too. <3!
It used to be that I couldn’t shop at places like ModShop, back when I was beyond the range of S-M-L sizing. It has been such an amazing experience learning how to LOVE shopping, because I can fit into those sizes now! I almost started crying when I realized that after years of tossing out catalogs from places like Urban Outfitters, and walking by stores like Forever21, and missing out on all the adorable-looking boutiques, that I could actually wear (and look good!) in those clothes!
best thing…
...making the choice to be happy, despite what’s going on around me…
...though it’s a work in progress ;)
finally realizing how much control i have over my life. throughout my entire life, people have always been controlling me—mom, sister, ex-boyfriend—and i was very unhappy with low self-esteem. my ultimate goal in life at the time was to please other people and make them happy, even if that meant sacrificing my own happiness. (yes, i consciously thought about it and came to that decision!)
this past year, my therapist and i worked on my self-confidence. it was a long and difficult journey and i still have a ways to go, but i’ve never loved myself more! i used to be fully dependent on people which allowed them to manipulate me, but now i’ve learned to do things on my own. i learned that when there’s a will there’s a way, no matter how long it takes! coming to these conclusions made me realize that i can really LIVE my life however i want it to. i feel that if more people knew this (and didn’t live their lives according to someone else or out of fear, e.g.), we’d all be much, much happier.
your blog really helps to! it’s so positive and i love the little self-help articles you post. they definitely brighten my day. :)
gasp How embarrassing! ModCLOTH.
Having tea with Gloria Steinem in her apartment during a week-long trip to New York CIty!
Yesterday, I made an origami pig out of green paper and my little brother named him Destructor, and then I bought pig stickers for $1.99 and I’ve named them all Destructor and stuck the one with a crown and a grin onto my laptop Phillip Dell. He’s a happy pig.
You have gotta love the nonsensical things you do with siblings after spending your first year a long way from home to study in Melbs. Evidently, a little green pig called destructor will remain the best thing of 2008, pwning everything from living alone for the first time, first year of university, and being in a whole new environment without family backup.
Taking a teacher’s training yoga course…. something I’ve wanted to do for years and years now!!
I guess the best thing to happen to me this year is that I accepted Life, and everything that goes with it.
I no longer feel like I am on pause. I pressed play.
Being in London and living my dream, and then realising how much I missed my family- coming home was almost as exciting as arriving in London!
seeing cirque de soliel . . . not once but twice! la nouba in florida and saltimbanco in toronto.
seeing my friend and co-worker finally arrive home from a cross canada canoe trip in july. the atmosphere that day was amazing.
falling head over heels in love. just the feeling is magical in it’s own right. unfortunately it dwindled and nothing ever came of it, but realizing that is a good feeling too :)
The best thing that has happened to me all year is submitting my transfer application to another university!
learning that I get to go on exchange to france!!I am so excited!!
Ooh I want I want I want!
Hands down the best thing that happened to me this year was getting married to the best man I’ve ever known. My wedding day was easily (EASILY!) the happiest day of my entire life. What a blast, just wish I could do it again! Also, the honeymoon wasn’t so bad either, ha!
I’m beginning to learn how to live for myself uninhibitedly, and it’s incredible. Early this year, I finally recovered from a nasty eating disorder, and being free from that basically opened up the whole world to me. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with myself, and with that came falling in love with the whole world. Then I fell in love with an amazing boy who I’ve been friends with for years. And I came out of my shell at university and started a political-activist-type club that I am so so passionate about. Gosh, getting over my disorder wasn’t just the best thing of the year, but probably the best thing of my life!
I relaxed and started having more fun.
I finished high school last year, so this one I started Journalism school. I was a little bit scared at the beggining, I’m a little bit shy, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to open up and make some new friends.
Fortunately, I met three of the nicest girls in town! Chari, Daf and Luli have become three of my best friends. I know I can rely on them. In this short time we have been through ups and downs in our lives (love, death, heartbreak and lots and lots of junk food) and we’ve been there for each other everytime!
I met & fell in love with the most amazing boy ever. I don’t know how I lived without him. :>
(I know, soooo cheesy. :D)
I graduated uni, and got a job. This has enabled me to get on top of my debts and start saving to travel the world!
This year, I started to venture out on my own and take pictures, with no assignment in mind, not to sell, not for school, just for me and my own personal satisfaction.
It has improved my photography, I think— I was told by the last person who looked over my portfolio (last Thursday!!!) that my pictures have “an incredible, passionate air to them— they’re like a love letter to their subjects.”
I have never been prouder of myself than that moment. I realized that finally, I was ready to start living my dream. It felt great.
I travelled out of my province for the first time: I went to Greece for five weeks, and I got to learn a lot about myself.
I realized that we really were i a partnership and resolved to tr and keep my end up… And we’ve never been happier.
I discovered a new art: paint of the face(aka“makeup). I always love finding new art. It makes me very gleeful!
Going back to school in a town I left nearly ten years ago. Within two days of being there, I remembered how much I loved the town, how much I loved my friend that resided there, and realized that I couldn’t live with all of this substitued shit for the rest of my life.
I cut off ties with the substitute friends and started living life the way I wanted to.
Although smaller places means smaller minds (Why, hello there homophobia. How ARE you today?) and cramped space, it really is amazing nonetheless. It’s strange how much a fifteen minute drive can change things around.
...And if you’d like a shorter, less drama-filled story: The second-best thing that happened was discovering the joys of coffee.
Making the decision to allow positivity to shine in all aspects of my life. A cousin introduced me to The Secret about a year or so ago, and then I read the Power of Now and those ideas are supplemented by the daily bursts of cheery vibes on iCiNG!! Oooooh, and performing small, anonymous acts of kindness makes life so much fun!
Oooooh, this is the prize I’ve been waiting for!! Puhlease pick me:) The ModCloth panda pan is on my Christmas list!! It’s is sooo cute. I only wish there was also a larger panda pan (like to boil spaghetti in).
Having my best friend promise that he’ll marry me when we hit the age of 35 if we’re both still lonely, and that he loves me and would pick me out above anyone else.
(:
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I learned a lot about myself and got back in touch with my roots. All this through a short-lived relationship that didn’t work out so well. sigh
Having a romantic long weekend away in Merrimbula with my boyfriend Will.
Being involved in theater. I was the stage manager for a high school production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the beginning of the year, while still in high school, and it was probably the best experience of my life, much less this year. It helped me understand myself better and have the opportunity to be in the company of some amazing people who I had a lot in common with. The feeling is hard to explain; but if you’ve ever been involved in theater, you just know. But most importantly, it gave me so much perspective about where I want to go with my life, and the steps it’ll take me to get there. So many great things and ideas have begun and been birthed since then that probably wouldn’t have happened had I not decided to involve myself with that crowd, and it’s just astounding.
I spent a week in London with 49 girls and 8 teachers. Un-freaking-believable. I fell in love with London and definitely going back… don’t know when, don’t know how, but I will.
Left Canada to live in Melbourne for a year, where i fell in love with my current perth boyfriend and loving living in fitzroy.
The best thing that happened this year was that I took my life back. I ended an unhappy relationship, quit a terrible job, got a fantastic job, and reconnected with my friends. I’m so much happier with everything, even if it’s not perfect.
Figuring out what to do with my life! I’d been a Fashion major for two years, and as much as I love sewing and creating and generally being so inspired by clothing, it was so nice to come to terms with the fact that it’s just not the industry for me. So I took a step in the direction of becoming a librarian. I love books, I love people who love books, and it’s helped me realize just what I value in myself and in others. Not to mention I love the idea of being a sexy, sassy, librarian!
Realizing my dream to work in Europe, only to realize that it wasn’t what I really wanted.
How can I pick just one event that made 2008 the best year of my life, the best life of my infinity? Graduating high school, pursuing a career I love, turning 18 are all great, but I think the BEST thing that happened was meeting my soulmate and embarking on an intense vision quest together where we saw the future, and now watching it all unfold before my eyes!!! Truly incredible.
This year I moved from a small town in northern California to Chicago (it’s so different!). I live in a small house and am pursuing a career in tattoo artistry.
Realizing my dream to work in Europe, only to realize that it wasn’t what I really wanted. Now I know that it isn’t literal goals that I should aim for but a trajectory—so the next thing is to figure where to go from here.
Two things (is that cheating?!)
1 – Made a commitment to myself to discover more about who I am and live life to the fullest.
2 – Used a vibrator for the first time!! OMFG!!
I finally got the courage to dump my boyfriend – and stick with it.
The best thing that happened to me this year was coming home after travelling around the world for a year and a half. I had so many adventures and met amazing people, but to get off the plane in my home town, with all my friends, family & my boyfriend waiting for me was the best!
The whole month of May: late nights with three of my favourite people in the world, personal epiphanies, drunken kisses & good sex, singing in the street at four thirty in the morning, boys with curly hair & girls with the cutest freckles — the Basque Country in all its glory!
Good times. :)
coming off all my meds (except the one that keeps me alive, obviously!)
it took a lot of hard work, and months of withdrawals, but it was worth it.
Is it too gross to say I got myself a hysterectomy this year ? :) Yep – 23rd of October. It was the best thing I’ve done in years!
I let go of a lot of resentment and old grudges! That doesn’t sound very happy when I think about it, but I feel so much better. hahaha.
I made a grand romantic gesture and flew across the world to visit my beautiful long-distance girlfriend, had the most glorious three weeks ever, and then…drumrolllllll…she asked me to marry her! I have never, ever wanted to get married in my life, but the moment she asked me the only conceivable answer was YES. And so we are betrothed, and shall be civil unionized in New Zealand (where it’s legal – stupid America!) and everything is sparkly rhinestone rainbows from here till eternity! Huzzah!
I always hate stating things like this because I am afraid it will jinx all the good in my future for some reason!
These stories are all so inspiring! The best thing that happened to me this year was falling in love for the first time. I know it probably won’t last, and it’s cliche, but it really changed my perspective on life.
Being selected to go on a volunteer trip and adventure tour in Costa Rica and traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia. Moving out of home. Finishing High School!
I found Gala. Oh and i got married on Halloween
2008 hasn’t been really nice to me, especially the first half of the year. My first love dumped me on New Year’s Eve for another girl he met online. I had to stop school because we were supposed to move to Jakarta earlier this year but unfortunately we’re still stuck here. I had a massive massive crush on this guy I barely knew and it turned out he had a girlfriend. And I was pretty alone…
but a month before my birthday, I made friends with this guy (online) who used to be my cousin’s classmate when they were little. We knew each other but we never really had a conversation. I viewed his profile, he viewed mine and we started exchanging comments and it sort of hit it off from there.
Things were a bit slow, i have to admit but at least things were getting better.
I invited him for my birthday. I was a bit nervous about it coz I haven’t met him in years. So that night, he texted me that he was waiting outside. I went out and he peeked through the gate.. and oh my god.
I didnt realise he was so beautiful. :| i kinda fell in love…
and that moment, that moment.. was probably the best that happened to me this year. You know, the feeling that you get when you see someone you like, your heart stops and your knees feel like jelly. that kind of thing. :p
and uh.. sorry for the long post and extreme chessyness. heheh. :D
I’ve probably had the best year of my life!
I moved out out of home to another city and am living on my own! I began college and am so glad I’ve found where I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve made great new friends & I travelled to NYC!
I’ve never been happier!
AH! This year was all so good! There have been ups and downs and all arounds.
But by far the best thing has been seeing my Grandmother come home from her memory care facility. I know it’s nothing crazy or extravagant, but I’m a Grandma’s girl, period. Watching my Granddad try to live without her was one of the toughest things to watch. So having her home is a blessing and a half. Not to mention the fact that we found a doctor who’s actually taking care of her and not just doping her up!
It’s a beautiful thing to have her back again.
start a relationship ( love ) with my best friend that i know for 7 years… :)
i quit my job.
started a wonderful new one and then fell in crush.
The best thing that happened to me this year happened the night of my birthday at the entrance to the Union Square subway station in New York City. I was leaving New York the next day, and saying goodbye to a friend who had just treated me to a birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant. Just as he was about to disappear into the subway, I finally had the nerve to kiss him, and he kissed me back and told me I’d better call him when I come back to the city next summer. And I walked away down 14th St feeling lighter than air, feeling cheerful and hopeful in a way that I thought I’d never be able to again. Even if nothing comes of it (and probably nothing will come of it) it was wonderful to feel, for the first time in a long while, really sincerely optimistic about the possibility that wonderful things will happen to me.
Eek, I can have more than one, right?
The best things that happened to me this year were falling in love with the most amazing girl in the world, and for the first time, becoming comfortable with myself.
I fell in love for the first time early in the year. My girlfriend is incredible and intelligent and gorgeous and funny and sweet and loving and all round AMAZING. We’ve been together for just over six months and meeting and falling in love with her has changed me so much. I could ramble about her for hours so I’ll stop before I get carried away. I’m so in love with her.
As for becoming comfortable with myself, I’ve always lacked confidence and believed I was ugly/fat/worthless/stupid/boring etc. Then this year I finally started realising that I AM beautiful and kind and caring and loving. I’m not saying I’m completely there yet but I know now that I am beautiful in my own and it’s okay to be who I am; it’s okay to be myself and be different and not care what other people think. It’s alright to dress how I want, read what I want, look the way I want and be the person I want to be.
There have been quite a few more things I could include but I feel like those two have been the most important and have made the most difference to me. Being in love with and being loved by my girl is incredible (Ha, have I used that word too much?) and learning to accept who I am is fabulous.
Figured out what I want to do with my life (be a professor of gender studies) and, a few weeks ago, celebrated my one-year anniversary with my first long-term boyfriend, who’s pretty much changed my life in every conceivable way.
My ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe! Backpacking with my best friend… it was an incredible adventure.
Spending a long weekend in Paris with my husband.
Chill of april air, staying a block back from the Seine, opposite the Louvre, revisiting sites I hadn’t seen for a decade and also getting to experience it all for the first time through Craig.
I saw all my friends & family, including my grandparents who just celebrated their 50th anniversary and my baby niece.
dropped out of school, applied to art school, moved out on my own, and got a great paying part time job in the meantime! basically, i grew up.
this year, i got to see broken social scene in concert and they have been one of my favourite bands of all time, their concert exceeded every expectation i had! and i got to spend the evening in the company of some of the greatest women i know!
Changed my major to sculpture…and it’s giving me both added patience and reward.
I’m also learning to trust myself…this helps with the sculpture. :)
I love my craft.
the best thing that happened to me?
spending an entire summer with the three girls of my dreams. they are wonderful wonderful people who helped me realize that being me is not wrong, and i have every right to act a little wacky in public and not be told to calm down and act “normal”. they are the best friends i could ever ask for, and they are the only people in the world who can have me laughing, crying, blushing, and smiling all at once.
oh, and finally coming to terms with who i am and my appearance. i’m so proud of that, and how i know that when i look in the mirror i am going to be proud of who i am.
THAT’S what made 2008 the best year of my life thus far.
Wow, I’m really loving these comments! The heartwarming! It burns!
I just graduated with my MA, which was a bit terrifying to me, since university life is the only life I’ve known for the past six years. I’m currently on a random internship in NZ, and currently have no “life plan” beyond that. So the best thing that’s happened to me in 2008 is still ongoing: I’m learning to not be so nostalgic for my life as I’m living it, but to embrace the future with self-confidence and optimism, as well as to banish my familiar patterns of self-loathing! My current life plan is: “Wheeeeeee!” :)
This has been the best year in general. I changed my life with raw foods and cured my depression, but the very best thing that happened was that I reunited with my #1 crush from when I was a fifteen years old – someone elusive to me at the time because of age difference (only 5 years but it was a big deal at the time), and we fell crazy for each other, 14 years later. :)
See for yourself!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2539651637_6c7f87c34e_o.jpg
:D
Last week was the best thing that happened to me this year:
I graduated Uni
Booked my first overseas holiday
Started Ballet again
and it was me and my boyfriends 7th anniversary!
I voted Barack Obama!
I said hello to the shy boy at school and we started talking about bands. I have a friend there now, maybe even a boyfriend.
This year I had the most bitchin’ tea party ever! And I left my dumb boyfriend. Hoping for the best this new year!
The best thing that happened to me is bittersweet. I broke up with my boyfriend of almost a year. I loved him but becoming single helped me regain my focus on my art and where I am going with my life. I am now motivated to further my talents and experience new things.
Impulsively booking a ticket home to enjoy an NZ Summer after a long year living in my new home, Toronto.
I met a friend who changed my life,he never fails to believe in me…pulls me up and dusts me off when I need be.And maybe that is why I changed into who I am,which would explain this happiness and maybe this own belief in myself
The best thing that happened to me this year is realizing how important family really is. I’ve been drawn to so close to everyone in my family this year, we had a hard loss, and it’s so refreshing to know that we’ll always be there for each other. I love it, I’ve found so many new best friends in them.
The boy I love, who is one of the best artists I know, painted a whole wall based on a dream I had.
This is the wall and of course he owns the key to my heart shaped lock [ok, that sounds dirty! :D].
He helped me to find the motivation to create again and I will always be thankful to him for this. :]
The best thing that happened to me this year is that I finally became happier with who I was! I am proud of my talents and I don’t let my weaknesses and failures/mistakes bring me down. It’s taken a long time to get to this place but I am just a completely optimistic person and I couldn’t be happier. Also I have to say my month living in France with my best friend!
The best thing that happened to me was meeting my fiance. We met online in February, and then near the beginning of March we had our first date in Austin, Texas. Its been almost ten months and I am so in love with him. Its hard to imagine that this time last year I never even knew him.
celebrating the 7th anniversary with my partner!
i met a boy i found on flickr and now i am in the USA with him and he is coming back to Australia to live with me next yr! yaaaay.
oh and also, when do we find out who wins these things? xx
I can’t really pick one thing – 2008 was the best year of my life thus far. I witnessed a complete turnaround in my attitude and belief system, got to know some incredible people to enormous depth, travelled both emotionally and physically into the wide unknown, and loved every second of it. I realised what I wanted to do with my life and I planned the next five years. I accepted myself and I grew to love myself and all my delicious flaws. Because of the events this year, both good and bad, I am truly, magnificently, happy.
Final year of university, and got back together with the person I am going to marry.
Plus is snowed today.
This year flew by so quickly, I can barely catch my breath.
I would say the best thing this year came out of the worst thing of the year. My adorable rooster was nearly killed by a dog who came into our yard when the three chickens were out in the yard walking around. Napoleon bravely defended the two girls but was bitten and injured near to the point of death. It took a lot of work and time, but he has totally recovered and is still just a sweet and brave.
But coming out of that my husband and I came to the realization of how crazy it was that we were not sharing this same caring and compassion with all animals. So we both switched to a vegetarian lifestyle. Since then I have read up a ton on all of the issues about factory farming and the intense cruelty in the meat, egg and dairy industries, how these foods impact our health and the environment. It as been eye-opening.
Now I am vegan and I have to say it has been the best and easiest thing I have ever done. I only wish I had made this change sooner. And, amazingly, I have become calmer, happier and lost most of my emotional issues with food. I try to be a “joyful vegan” and inspire others to consider making the change as well by being positive and encouraging. I only see my life expanding into even more happiness as I continue to eliminate cruelty and violence from my life.
Luv
Poochie
Becoming eligible for Australian citizenship.
Finally pursuing my writing and getting some great jobs/internships/freelance gigs with it! A close second was planning a concert and seeing it come into fruition. And third was seeing Daniel Johnston live. Amazing!
I got accepted into my choice art schools, attending NOCCA for two weeks, had a kickass time at Mechacon, and JapanFest was amazing…
I can’t lie — I can NEVER pick just one amazing thing! I have so much fun with the tiniest things!
realizing who my true friends were, where they stood by me, helped me through ups and downs, and of course was very frank to me.
being happily single. I used to be bitter about never having a boyfriend, now i just very recently realized that it was okay.
both things made me a very happy person this year despite all the lying, identity-copying, and etc.
and also getting a camera. the best part was i could choose it!
I got out of an emotionally abusive relationship and finally realized how absolutely incredible my friends are and just how much I love them… and I also made a bunch of people vegan through presentations at another high school :) best year of my life? absolutely.
The best thing that happened to me this year
was I got to give a big fat “FUCK YOU!” to high school after they treated me like a criminal, got my GED, and am now enrolled in Community College
where i am studying business and hope to charm my way through life =D
Yay for stickin it to the MAN, yo!
Oh Gala, i am having so much fun with these contests.
-B
I got back my inspiration, and tried to make everyday amazing, all the positivity worked wonders :)
Seeing my favorite Korean boy band in concert after years of listening to their music and staring at their posters on my wall =]
the best thing that happened to me this year? I got engaged!!! me and the Monkey will be married in March!
My life actually has been turned upside down this year and is probably the worst one I’ve had yet…however, if these things had not happened I would not have reconnected with my brother. This is a relationship I now treasure and will for my entire life.
I guess there is always a silver lining…Stuart Little is right!
The best thing that happened to this year was graduating from high school.
I know it’s supposed to be the best four years of my life and all, but seriously, it made me want to shoot myself in the face.
__
the best thing to happen to me this year was that i fell instantiously and insanely in love with a man I met at my friend’s party, I decided then and there that we were meant to be together as he scratched my tummy and put his hand through my hair. I facebook stalked him and told him we should meet again, he agreed, we met, we talked about the gloriousness of anarchism, shoplifting and train stations and we fell in love and I have never had such a support in my life, no one to turn to this way in every question, no one to appreciate my awesomeness or reprocicate that feeling or anything! I am writing this pretty drunk right now and he is laying in my bed the most beautiful human being in the world. I never could have thought that it could be this way, I have never believed in love at the first sight in that way but it was glorious and it still is nine months later. And now I get to sleep beside him so goodnight from sweden!
leaving school in the middle of year 11 – it was an overnight decision that i immediately went through with and has made me so happy. i was depressed before.
getting true confidence.falling in love and realizing how wrong it was…getting over it.learning a 4th language…accomplishing more than expected…having the time of my life this summer.meeting friends that are now like family.finding who my TRUE friends are…and most importantly
finding myself in my faith.
blessings,
My panda came all the way from California to tiny little Dunedin (NZ) to spend time with me.
the best thing that happened to me this year was taking the plunge and chopping off all my hair, and dying it platinum blonde! everyone was always complimenting my wavy gold lion’s mane, but i wanted to do something different. and i really feel that it improved my life! plus… i get even more compliments now.
Discovering the beauty and genius that is Gala Darling, which has now become a daily addiction!
Starting my new blog TVholics Anonymous!!!
Finally finding a striped 1950’s original school blazer in London for a song! (I’ve been looking for two years now)
A surprise trip to London despite the extremely sad circumstances that took me there!
Watching a light snow fall (it was the first time I have seen snow fall – I’m from Los Angeles so it’s understandable)
Having a fantastic birthday birthday courtesy of Bingo Boy in West Hollywood. If you haven’t tried Drag bingo yet you just haven’t lived.
Still being in love with my car, My Dear Little Prudence that is a MINI.
And starting the year with a new tattoo in honour of my mum!
Being able to be there for my boi when his mum passed away.
Oh wow, this has actually been a very good year and at the same time an awful one…
But hands-down, the best thing that has happened to me this year would have to be becoming more conscious of myself, my actions, and how they affect others. I’ve really started thinking before I speak, something I NEVER thought would happen!
The best thing that happened this year? I can think of so many, but here’s one thing:
In April, I got into not the college that I thought was perfect for me, nor the highest US Weekly-ranked school I applied, nor the school that my friends thought was good for me, but the university where I am now—which I can say with all honest truly IS the right fit for me. And I’m so happy!
I graduated uni and got a job. This enabled me to pay of my debts and start saving to travel the world!
The best thing that happened to me this year, was discovering myself. I let go of the past, let others in, and realized that I am enough. I’m not perfect, but no one is asking me to be. I have found my style in life, and intend to make 2009 a great year. I know who I am, and I love me!
2 things :]
-i know its superduper cheesy, but i fell in love. for the first time. with someone who loves me back. :] – getting accepted to art school after all my hard work. :]
The best thing that happened to me this year is going vegan. I always hesitated going vegan because I thought it would be too hard to stop eating egg and dairy products, but I realized that they are many delicious alternatives to these, not to mention that I am helping save animals and the environment! I am what I eat and now I can even be prouder of myself for eating vegan.
wow well i guess in a year of a lot of hard stuff happening you really learnt to appreciate the small things right!
This year i came to the realisation that people think I’m funny and enjoyable to be around. May sound small but was pretty suprising to me!
Standing in line on the National Mall, in the rain for four hours, to have the wonderful Mr Neil Gaiman, whom I want to be when I grow up, sign my copy of Sandman: Brief Lives. I was a little starstruck :D
2008 has been a pretty amazing year for me so here are the changes in the various aspects of my life…
Work – I hated the city I was studying in at uni, so now I’ve moved to another country and I love my new home!
Play – The most fun I have is when I’m riding and I’ve achieved so much this year – jumping higher than ever, honing my dressage skills and bonding with horses I didn’t get on with before.
Love – I briefly got back with my ex – we had fun then it ended painlessly. The closure and the confidence boost he gave me have set me up ready for Mr Right. (Now I’ve just gotta find him!)
Myself – Every year I grow in confidence and this year I’ve also learned some important lessons about happiness. My top tip? TiLT (thank you Gala!)
moving to the city and regaining my independence…
for the first time in my life, i’m in love and finally truly happy!
The best thing that has happened this year?
Realising it is perfectly okay to be disgustingly happy with my life with all its ups and downs.
I had always felt embarrassed and awkward when people asked me how I was going because it seems to be socially unacceptable to happy with ones life. It used to stop me from actually talking about my life and therefore caused a disconnection with the people around me. I realised that I can be happy and talk about it and still empathise and provide support for people who are not in the same situation. It has really made me a better friend, lover, daughter and colleague.
That picture you posted a while ago – We’re so fairytale it makes people sick – perfectly describes my life.
I love my job, my husband (of 3 weeks!!!), my cat, our home, our past/present and future lives together, my family, my fabulous friends, my mentor, my PhD, the sad times, the happy times, the lounging around on the couch times, EVERYTHING!
Sickening isn’t it?
definitely going to burning man alone, without my significant other, family, or close friends. it gave me a chance to really reflect on my life and decide what about it I wanted to change. I ended up making some friends for life, realizing how unhappy I was with my current relationship, and getting super excited about my medical school classes (:
my boyfriend of two years and i moved in together in august we share a teeny tiny bedroom and live with the worst room mate ever but i dont think either of us have ever been happier.
Getting my very first FRIEND WITH BENEFITS, baby!!
At first I was wary, thinking one or both of us was going to get hurt &/or be unhappy with the arrangement, but we’ve been going strong for 5 months now & we’re both still really enjoying the setup.
Seriously, people, if you do it right, friends with benefits can be a WONDERFUL thing! It has reinforced my confidence in myself, made me more willing to try new things, & just generally been an incredible experience!
Fell in love, (indirectly) because of this site! :)
And went to Africa. But, fell in love.
I’ve never actually commented before, despite having been reading iCiNG for months and months.. but I think I have to on this one. I clicked a link to okcupid from here, not really paying attention to what I was doing, and ended up meeting the most awesome person, at the absolute wrong time. I was leaving to go to Africa, running away from a year crappier than I ever envisaged myself enduring, and definitely not looking for love. Which I maintain is not something that can be looked for. Anyway, yada yada, the Africa trip ended early because of this person back home, and I never ever would have met him had I not visited this site, that day.
Thanks, Gala :D You’re awesome. You’re awesome, and that little string of events is awesome, too.
I fell in love with myself.
The best thing that happened to me this year, as cheesy as it is, is my relationship with my girlfriend. We started dating last may and I didn’t even know that relationships could be so fantastic. No one has ever made me feel so amazing, so loved, so understood… she’s fun and funny, and beautiful, so sweet and doesn’t stop giving me butterflies.. Getting to know her and spending time wither her… just.. oh! I’m so happy. gush gush
I am so completely lucky. That’s all!
The best thing that happened to me this year was moving away from home to university. I found the confidence to be out on my own, I have made amazing friends, I love my new city, and my school. I miss my family, but it is such a thrill starting this life on my own.
It has lead to such great experiences, it truly is the best thing that has happened to me, this year and in a long time.
I regained my self-esteem.
Figuring out that I have Depression. It sounds weird, but after realizing it I was able to DO something about it finally. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.
Well…It’s alwasy been a dream of mine to live in Japan and this year I made it happen!
Only problem was when I got here I got terribley depressed. Nevertheless – after some soul searching, time, patience and self love I got out of the hole I was in and I’m happy and living my dream.
So I suppose it isn’t a question of what was the best thing that happened to me (That was being offered a job in Japan) the best thing was something that came from within – learning that whatever happens to me I have the strength to make it a positive, wonderful and generally fabulous experience!
Thanks in part to you Gala Darling!
XXX
the best thing that happened to me this year was getting a scholarship to a music program i could otherwise never afford. i’m proud of myself for basically getting in based on my singing skills, and my voice has improved significantly since i started taking lessons. this year, i also learned to appreciate my young age and prepare for the years ahead. onwards and upwards!~
accepting who i am & realizing people are forever evolving.
other highlights include seeing barack obama elected as president, becoming a vegetarian, growing closer to my best friend & making future plans with the boy i’m in love with!
*I’m slowly realizing that I don’t deserve to be treated badly by anyone, especially myself. Fabulous.
*My family moved into the city, and I’m going to a different school now than all my old friends. I’m happy that I got to make a new start, but I can still see the people I like without having to hang around the mean-spirited ones.
I let friends from out of state give me a makeover and I discovered that I can be a beautiful, confident person instead of just the girl with no makeup hiding in the corner. I had drawn myself into a corner, and that makeover was a wake-up call. It showed me what difference just a little effort can make, and because of it, I made a lot of new friends at school this year. :)
The best thing that happened to me this year was definitely visiting NYC for the first time! It was completely amazing.
The best thing that happened to me is that i learned how to be a good worker and now i have all A’s for the first time this semester since 3rd grade!!!
:DDD
I fell in love with an incredible man =)
the best thing that has happened to me all year is keeping my new year’s resolution – to be honest with myself. i think it’s the first resolution i’ve actually kept (!) and the results have been tumultuous but good. i’ve made so many new friends, have learnt how to stand up for myself, and am committed to growing and learning in ways that are congruent with my values and dreams.
I followed my heart :)
Hiking 20km along the Great Wall of China with my boyfriend on a beautiful blue day in November!
I don’t believe that all things happen for a reason, but I do believe that every moment presents itself with a chance to learn, grow, and move forward.
Because of an unexpected loss, I turned inward and began to reflect on what’s truly important in life. I have renewed relationships with my family. I feel a deeper sense of purpose. I have more focus & drive and less tolerance for stress & doubt & worry (major time suckers). I now understand what it means to live life to the fullest, and for that I’m truly happy.
Meeting wonderful new friends in college!
Gaining confidence playing the cello!
Figuring out I can actually do what I dream!
This year got really really bad before it got really really good. I couldn’t afford college and had to drop out, ended up working at an electronics store and dating my coworker. Then, I found out I was pregnant. I had mixed feelings about it, being a bit young to be a mother, but any further thoughts about it were diminished when I miscarried the baby two months into my pregnancy. The father dumped me a week later. As you can guess, I was more than depressed.
But now? I’ve grown into the strong and independent woman that I’ve always wanted to be ever since I truly began to appreciate my mother. I’ve remained strong enough to allow myself to love again, and found the man that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. I’ve accepted who I am as a person and stopped trying to be like everyone else. I’m surrounded by friends that I love and who love me. I’m living in a country that may finally be changing for the better with our wonderful new President. And, on top of all of this, I’m in college getting a nursing degree!
I guess it really does get darkest before dawn.
I met my best friend ever in the world :) Her name is Katelyn, and I don’t think I could survive without her anymore.
I discovered who I really am! It feels great :)
A lot of really great things have happened to me this year. The first is that I am now a senior (!) and going to college next year (!!). The second is that I discovered what I want to study in college. I went to NYC to visit my aunt and my cousin. I was able to go to work with each of them. My cousin is a model and I was able to attend her castings, fittings, and a fashion show. I wasn’t able to watch the show, because I was too busy being a last minute dresser for the show! My aunt is a buyer and I went to all of her meetings with her. It was here that I really discovered what I wanted to do. I want to be a buyer just like her and work in the fashion industry, because I just love the atmosphere and everything about it. The third is that I found out that I am going to be able to travel to Peru for three weeks with my class (!). I am super excited to hike the Inca Trail and see Macchu Picchu. My senior year is starting to shape up great and I am hoping that my year continues being as awesome as it has already been.
Achieving my first G-spot orgasm with my husband.
The best thing that happened to me this year was starting a new side project that evolved into a “second career”. I enjoy it so much, it makes me money, AND it helps others.
Can I also say – I am so happy to have discovered this blog! :)
So many good things happened this year! and I agree that it’s really heartwarming to read these :)
I started my blog, hipsterette, which i love!
I went vegetarian, lost weight, and felt so much better about myself too!
I moved halfway across the country, started a new university for the second time in two years, and made a whole bunch of new friends! phew. that was hard, but worth it.
lovelove!
I decided that I do want my life & work to be art.
I discovered iCing! (d’awwww, cue rotten vegetables being thrown). But no, seriously – lame as it sounds, hear me out…
I followed the glint, glimmer, gleam of a star – not unglossed by parental expectations, I’ll admit – and for the first time, I found myself alone, emotionally stranded in a world that seemed to be full of go-getters, getting everything and leaving nothing for limping locusts like me. I’ve grown up in a big family and am not a naturally outgoing person at all but it never really quite so bad because I had four younger sisters, all relatively close to my age. Through thick and thin and tearing up favorite belongings to get back at the little twerp(s), we stuck together. Not willingly, admittedly. But enough so that a posse of menacing tiny Asian girls with glasses would appear at the school door when my littlest sister was being bullied. Suddenly, that blanket was yanked from under and around me.
I retreated into the internet. And maybe through the alignments of those same stars that dragged me halfway across the country in the name of higher education, I stumbled across iCing! That’s neither nor there though – except I actually tried tapping, juicing, going raw, positive thinking and loving the universe. Some of it didn’t stick (juicing and going raw… sorry, I just love buttered toast too much!) but a lot of it – the most important parts of it, I think – did.
I tap when I’m depressed, stuck, brain woozy and lethargic because I cried my way through too many bad Japanese dramas because sobbing about fake problems are better than bawling about my own (petty) rubbish. And it’s worked, it really has. Or I believe it works, and that gives me courage to go on.
I think positively, about myself and about others. Twats with unibrows who talk like they’ve ducks in their throats, and worse, Bush in their brains who WON’T LEAVE YOU ALONE doesn’t really eclipse the lilt of moonlight on a flowering fall of snow. And if you think like that, well – the universe aligns to show you it approves!
And when it does that, how can you help but love it? And how can it help but love you back?
How much of this is Me-Myself, Gala; and how much of it is you and your great good humor? I don’t know. I’m not all the way there yet, I haven’t got my “second to the right and straight on till morning” directions yet, but I’ve got a whiff of it like some heady draught and I intend to hunt it down, club it over the head and rifle through its’ pockets!
Whew! Wall o’ text. Even though I began it for the competition, I’m glad I got it out – win or lose, it’s immaterial – I just wanted to say:
Thanks!
(I’m going home tomorrow!! I can’t WAIT! =DD)
The best thing i did this year was live in Mexico for a month with my best friend, I volunteered, worked on my spanish, and met some of the most amazing people i will ever interact with.
So many good things to choose from! I think the best thing for me has been spending time in another country so far away from everyone I know and all my comfort zones and just relaxing. I’m an exchange student for 6 months and it has been amazing to get the opportunity to totally recreate myself and just relax.
Plus, I got to have a “cool New Zealand accent” for once in my life :D
I spent two months living in China with a host family. I made friends for life.
Lots of things have happened this year, which have filled me with varying amounts of happiness.
But the best would be [as a suggest from you, Gala], putting forth a truce with a once-beloved friend turned enemy.
I can actually talk to her like a rational human being. We share a lot of friends, and now instead of awkwardness, there is only a bunch of people melding together.
It’s really great not to be fighting with someone anymore. I don’t have to worry about being around her, or her starting drama with my friends, and I can just exist.
And that’s my sappy story.
On spring break i spend the all week with my 2 best girlfriends who moves out my city. and we have a pretty good time at Cancun Mexico specially one night that we talk a lot about our life that has been change a lot since 2006 we grown up a lot we are a mature girls who discover the life the hard way but friendship maintain us stronger even the distance is not a obstacle
omg i just love my 2 best friends =)
My late night trip to the beach (and hour away) with my best friend when we decided to skip the movie.
I got my license!
Strangely enough, The best thing that happened to me this year was not getting into the college I wanted to transfer to and staying at my old/current college for an extra semester. I made some very awesome new friends. Had some great experiences, And now I am going to see my first Broadway show tomorrow because of it. This last semester really helped me grow. Staying was really a blessing in disguise.
living each day with the love of my life!
I took the train across country to North Dakota to visit my brother. I’ve always wanted to ride a train because the idea of a train ride is so romantic. Then I stargazed under the biggest sky ever. And I explored a sprawling field of sunflowers with my sister-on-law. That’s the best thing that’s happened to me this year.
I found myself, my independence and my limitations.
Oh, and I got pregnant :)
x
Honestly, this may sound selfish, but the best thing that has happened to me this year was learning to love myself. I’m content and actually happy with the person I am, I can spend time doing what I love with the people I love and not waste time focusing on negativity or loathing. Life has been good to me!
The best thing that happened to me this year was getting closer to my classmates who turned out to be some of my new best friends! Loveeee.
Started dating a guy I’ve been friends with for 8 years. He brings so much happiness and peace to my life. Finally.
The best thing that happened to me this year was TURNING EIGHTEEN! :)
I got a scholarship to be an exchange student for a year in Japan, and I’ve been here for 3 months now and it’s amazing.
This one was tough for me as it’s not been a very good year with deaths in the family and a lot of sibling drama. I am however very proud of myself for finally moving out of my mom’s house. I’m such a homebody that it was so hard to leave everything behind. I ended up moving from the California coast to the Virginia coast and things couldn’t be more different. I haven’t really gotten things together yet but I know things can only get better from here!
I moved out of my parents’ house and became an independent woman, and discovered what I want to do for the rest of my life :)
Man I love college.
I took 9 months off of dating to figure out what I wanted in a boy. And then I found him. And it’s way more awesomer than I thought it would be.
The best thing that happened to me this year was falling in love. With that came a whole parcel of good things.
I’d been in two long-term relationships before now. Both of them had been plagued by miscommunication and misgivings. I cared about the people I was with, but there was always the sensation that something didn’t fit. In both cases I felt like neither of us could say what was on our minds, and we inevitably ended up being passive-aggressive and expressing ourselves in damaging ways. Then I met Paul. I trusted him instinctively from the first time we met, and he values the truth above all things — so I can tell him anything and I know he won’t fly off the handle. He loves me absolutely, and I have no fear that he’ll suddenly go away because of something I said — and if he has a problem, he’s always raised it in a forthright and reasonable manner. We talk it out. We act like adults.
With that kind of trust comes respect. I’d never dream of pulling some of the stunts I felt okay with in my past relationships, because Paul deserves the best I can give him. And because he’s a solid, fabulous, interesting person, the differences between us and our living situations (I come from an upper-middle-class family; Paul doesn’t) don’t matter. He’s a whole person, who doesn’t have to lean on status to be interesting. We are different politically, and because we have that trust, we can challenge each other without it getting personal. We’ve made each other rethink views without arguing, and that’s valuable in and of itself. And even though he doesn’t study the same things I do, he’s broad-minded enough to get interested in what I’m doing, which is awesome. Being with him has made me more confident in expressing myself, and more thoughtful about my political views. More importantly, he’s made me very very happy.
The best thing about this year was: going door-to-door & witnessing the kindness in the hearts of strangers as I asked them for coat donations to keep the homeless warm this year, seeing the gratitude in the smiles of the homeless as they received them and seeing the families hugging 2-3 garbage bags full of clothes that they might have not been able to afford to give to their kids this Christmas:)
Truly, I don’t think I could have asked for anything better than this.
Broke up with my bf and made my life my own.
This year has been full of changes. New state, new school, new friends. I’ve had so many new experiences. Although this has all been great, I have to say the best thing about this year was all the things that stayed the same. Little things that remind who I was before and remind me that not everything has changed.
i moved out of home, took back control of my life, decided to pursue a career of academia, met the love of my life and am currently writing this from a boat in hong kong where i am holidaying with him.
thats actually not one thing, but they are all connected… like a chain reaction type thing. meeting my boyfriend and falling in love was by far the best though.
I went to London this past summer at the particular request of my English professor, and have just been invited BACK to London this coming summer with my design/marketing fellowship. So, wheee!
I spent a night searching for christmas lights and taking pictures in front of them in my neighbourhood. I want to post them back to the houses with a little sappy note saying thanks for the little bright spark in my day. Sure, this is only the best thing to happen to me in the last 24 hours, but similarly this last year has been filled with things like this…that make me happy and content because somewhere deep down inside the real me has come to rest after so much turmoil.
Thanks to you too Gala for being a consistently positive, inspirational and colourful voice throughout this time. :) I have a big bunch of carpet roses + ferns I picked yesterday from my garden that remind me of you! The roses are exactly your hair colour and the ferns…well New Zealand…right?
xx
The best thing that happened to me this year was getting my own apartment and realizing that I could live on my own, support myself, and be happy! That led me to have the courage to apply for the JET Program, and hopefully I’ll be teaching English to kids in Japan next year. I’ve always wanted to live abroad and finally I’m doing something about it!
This year has been really tough for me. My parents’ divorced, my father and i’s relationship has gone to the dogs, i’ve moved from the house of my childhood into a small apartment with my mum and my sister, i’ve changed schools and lost friends, lost love, lost a lot.
this year has been really difficult, but it’s taught me to persevere. to adapt and to change and to make the best of my situation. i’ve learned so much this year and that’s truly the best thing that i have learned about this year.
also barack obama winning the presidency is the greatest news in the world!!!
The best thing that happened to me all year was being able to walk right in to the job I have now, with a pay increase and a promotion to a management position. I feel very blessed since it’s a recession here…and I only have a 5 minute commute to work!
Let’s see…I think there are a few things:
- I broke up with my boyfriend. – I became a soft-core stripper. – I was forced to learn social skills & accept my body through dancing. – I learned to live without a boyfriend, or the desire for one. – I overcame alcoholism. – I made new friends (which is a big deal; my ex was very controlling & always made it seem like friends were only for him. seriously.) – I traveled alone for the first time (to Portland), & had a great time. – I went back to school (& have 3 As & 1 B!). – I moved back in with my parents. – I took time off from dancing & started doing web design again. – I am excited for 2009!
But, I gotta say…the BEST thing that happened to me in 2008 was Obama’s victory & the subsequent afterparties and energy on the street that night!
The best thing that happened to me this year was cancer.
I was diagnosed with and cured of hodgkins lymphoma this year, and although it seemed miserable and endless at the time, it gave me something I would never give up. I gained perspective. Before, I was an average, gossiping, trivial girl. Now I appreciate things I took for granted, like friends, my parents, and modern medicine. Also, I learned a valuable lesson about pain: although things hurt sometimes, pain goes away. I get my blood drawn every week, and at first the needle hurts, but the pain eventually goes away. I wait until the pain of cancer in my life goes away, but I know it will, as everything painful so far has.
I put up my first big exhibit in Hong Kong last September! It was called Futuramanila and it was eight months of crazy preparation and a big big big big opening night! There were 23 Filipino artists (most from Manila, some from London, New York and California), which all had kick ass contemporary street art. It was held in the Osage gallery in Kwun Tong, HK (amazing new york style warehouse gallery). Those 8 months were high stress, on the verge of breaking down, monumental spurts of happiness— exhilaration at its best!
I also formed amazing amazing relationships with the artists I worked with as well as the people I worked with. I love being able to talk to people who I don’t agree with all the time, but we are all passionate about the same thing— art.
After Osage, life seems to be falling into place perfectly. I’m in a long distance relationship (3 years and going strong) with my fiance (he is the kindest, sweetest, sexiest man in the world for me) and he lives in Hong Kong (but he was raised in new york). We constantly talk about how I’m going to uproot my life in Manila— honestly, it’s not hard because I have the nomad gene in me. The biggest hurdle was trying to find work there, but after this stint, things have became so much clearer (job potentials!) and it was just the best sign for me to know that what I’m studying to be now (art manager and curator) is what I’m supposed to be doing in my life, and the man that I’m with is, quite possibly, it for me.
I’m living a very blessed and happy life these days.
The best thing I did this year was help my sister be happy.
My older sister has been absolutely depressed all of her life (she is now 22). Early this year she regrettably broke up with her boyfriend and went through a workaholic phase. She had three jobs and about four hours of sleep each night. I got a job at her workplace and spent our daily shifts urging her to try to get him back. I don’t really know why I did it but I just felt it was best for her. After about two weeks of my encouragement, she quit two of her jobs and went back to college where she would no doubt see her ex. She stayed employed at the place where I worked with her and about two months after she went back to school, they were back together. She got pregnant and they moved to Indiana where he had a great job opportunity waiting for him. Since then she has really improved. Moving to Indiana enabled her to get away from our parents and start a life of her own which it turns out she desperately needed to do. She is no longer fighting depression and she is going to go back to college and get a degree as soon as her baby BOY (Squee!) is born January 3rd.
The most fantastic thing that happened to me this year was taking control over my life and surrounding myself with good people.
I moved out of my mom’s house and in with my aunt and uncle, who have provided me such a loving and wonderful atmosphere. I’ve been able to save up more money and have such a great time with them. I actually look forward to being home!
I’m in a relationship with a wonderful man, I have a job and can afford the things I need and want, I’m doing well in school, and I feel so blessed to have supportive friends and family that want me to succeed.
:-D
The best thing that happened this year was the revitalizing of the marching band. We went from sorta lame to everyone loving it and putting in everything they had. Or, at least I did and it was awesome. There’s something about screaming at the top of your lungs while wearing a plumed hat that just can’t be replicated.
I got dumped!!
No, really. Best thing ever. It was so unhealthy and he was a jerk…but I didn’t have the backbone to breakup with him. He did me a favor and now I’m a more independent, confident woman.
I had an unexpectedly easy semester in nursing school. Suddenly my time was freed up to bake pies and blog with my 6-year-old daughter. I was able to play music again. I even started my own blog! That extra time has been a priceless windfall. My new career goals: work as a nurse 10-20 hours/week during the school year, develop a large core of regular blog readers, gig 1-2 times per month during the school year and perform internationally with my family in the summer.
I came back to my college after being away in Japan for a whole year, and I realized how amazing and awesome my friends are and, by association, how amazing and awesome I am. Now I finally feel like I’m supposed to be here.
The best thing was that happened to me this year is that I met my hero & role model Gala Darling (at the Bubble Battle in NYC)!
I auditioned for my school’s production of CATS, my favourite musical. I made so many amazing friends, and it kindled an interest in dance that has stuck with me and I’ve become a lot healthier because of that- I went to dance camp and I’m taking tap, ballet and jazz.
I also fell back in love with tech theatre- it’s my life. I love it so much, and I can’t wait to go to theatre school once I graduate. All because of CATS! Thanks, Andrew Lloyd-Webber! :)
This year has been full of constant big changes, and each one keeps getting better! And so, the best thing happened just over these past two weeks – I completely purged the remainder of my negative thought patterns over 5 days and literally woke up on the sixth knowing that I was a completely different person.
In that week-long process, I learned that you, Gala dear, are especially right about one particular thing! There is always more room for self-love.
That was one of the first thoughts that popped into my head that magical morning, and it was just as amazing as it sounds. Great things are about to happen, can you feel it?!
I finally gave up my terrible fear of failure and rejection and allowed myself to be open to a wonderful relationship with a man who is perfect for me in every way.
Oh, and finding out my best friend in the whole wide world doesn’t have cancer again? Yeah, that was pretty amazing too. :)
i guess the best thing that happened to me was that i grew up. i graduated high school alive, became more confident & outgoing, and now, i am making plans that i actually intend to follow.
The best thing that happend to me this year was being able to meet my artistic inspiration. It may come across as a very teenybopper thing to do, but I have been wanting to meet My Chemical Romance’s front man Gerard May for quite some time. He’s a talented visual artist, writer, story teller, and puts on a mean preformance. I was very impressed with the storyline of his comic book and wanted to get the first story singed badly. So at X-Fest I waited outside the bus garage for an hour. Maybe it was just me, but he seemed pleased that someone was there to meet him for other reasons than just his band. Either way, it was fantastic to be able to meet someone with that much talent.
I learned to be more assertive. I’ve always been meek, and it led to a lot of crap being shouldered by me. This year, I finally forgave myself for a failed friendship, stood up to some people who had been walking all over me, and took charge of my life. Now, my life is filled with some much opportunity – I’m so excited for the next day.
Runner ups: traveling by myself to Chicago where I knew no one & ended up having an amazing time, spending two weeks in Paris & London with my orchestra, volunteering at the botanical gardens in my town (which was the best volunteer job ever – being surrounded by beauty for the sake of beauty).
And the best part of today? Reading everyone else’s best things!
I moved in with my boyfriend – I’ve had a string of shitty roommates, and while that’s not the best part about living with him, it’s certainly icing on the cake!
Fell in love (mutually, woohoo!), lost 12kg and counting and discovered the raw food movement (through you Gala!). It’s been a FANTASTIC year.
I (finally!) married my boyfriend of seven years! We had a great, albeit small, wedding with our closest friends & family. Yummy cake. A kickass honeymoon to Charleston… And now we’re working on the baby!
My trip to Japan! I’ve been saving up and planning everything since five years. It was amazing to finally reach my goal after such a long wait and I had a great time.
I decided that my relationship with my boyfriend of 4 years was no longer working, because I was unhappy with ME. So I took our son and moved 12 hours away, to another state, to make a new start. To prove to myself that I didn’t need anyone to take care of me…that I was a big girl and could make my own money and get by on my own. He gave me the money to move, helped me, checked in on me, answered the phone when I called crying because I couldn’t find a job. He knew I was unhappy, we both missed each other, and our son was miserable. But he gave me the space and time I needed to figure myself out. When he finally asked if we could get counseling and try things again, it wasnt out of wanting to save me…it was about helping me grow. Helping me achieve what I had wanted…to become the person I wanted to be. I moved away and came back 4 months later…BUT instead of feeling like a failure, I came back proud and happy! Because I was able to learn, learn how to be the person I wanted. I needed to get away, find a crappy job that made me miserable…and to figure out what it was that I truly wanted. There is no shame in saying – I made a mistake…because it wasnt really a mistake. I am just greatful that my boyfriend is supportive and was willing to put what I needed ahead of what he wanted and not hold it against me. Instead he let me do what I needed and was willing to seek help for the issues that were still there when I came back. So the best thing to happen to me this year, was the chance to grow and not fault myself for the steps I needed to take to have that happen…even if those steps were the long way!
I finally defined who I want to become and now have begun taking the necessary steps to get there.
I can think of a whole lot of really great things that have happened this year, but the #1 best thing (and the most important one) would be that I got married!
I made myself a muthaflippin’ octopus hat.
I learnt to accept life this year. I learnt to love myself and it’s been months since I was last paralysed by a panic attack.
I achieved ALL of my planned goals! It feels really good, and I can say without a doubt that I did stuff for myself this year, which has made me grow in so many ways. I am really happy with this.
The best thing out of those was probably going to Korea and seeing my grandmother for the first time, though. It was such a giving experience!
The best thing that happened to me this year?
I learned how to stop and do NOTHING. It is so amazing!
I graduated from college all stressed out, physically messed up, mentally f’ed up, and needing some direction.
You have NO IDEA of the peace that comes with learning how to clear your mind and do NOTHING. It frees you from everything.
So yes, I’m level-headed and focused now…but I definitely know the value of doing nothing!
Watching Barack Obama win the election while surrounded by college friends…
and receiving a text two minutes later from my mother that simply said, ‘yes we can’
Leaving high school after year 12 to go to university.
I moved out to this new city, no longer living with the parent, and after a big, scary but exciting year I am now so happy. Passed all my courses well, turned 18, became independent, fell in LOVE- real, amazing, crazy love- all for the first time!
I left all of my amazing friends and my mother behind, yet this is still the best decision I have ever made, and I look forward to 2009.
x
I broke up with a manipulative and know it all boyfriend of nearly 5 crappy years and realised I don’t need him. I run a large and successful business which has proved to me I can do things worthwhile on my own without him. I opened 2 out of our 3 stores in the past year.
I managed to make the business so popular that I realise I can do things right and I can take on big challenges with success. Next comes learning to get out and have friends and a social life again!
Aside from moving into a fantastic inner city apartment, which I adore, I submitted some of my own writing, my own fiction writing to publishers. I’ve had three rejection letters so far! Totally living the dream ;p
after getting out of a bad relationship that was totally detrimental to everything in my life, I found myself again. I’ve spent this entire year single. 2008 is the year of ME! :)
and if a year of me isn’t fabulous enough…what is??
and also I got to go to California for the first time to meet all my friends I met on YouTube, and I got to meet my favorite Internet peoples… The Green Brothers (Vlogbrothers on YouTube) and the Lovely Miss Gala Darling at the fantastic Virgo celebration! ;)
the best thing that happened to me was marrying my best friend/partner in crime/most favorite person ever! we’re coming up on our one year and it’s been an amazing time.
Learning more about myself, embracing who i am, and slowly stopped trying to make other people happy but making myself happy. Realizing i need better things in life, and striving to make these things happen.
My first year wedding anniversary, spending time with my parents, and making new friends.
This has actually probably been the worst year of my life. Depression, PCOS and family and friend dramas.
The best thing though, was getting through the hell of anti depressant withdrawl. It was tough, took months and made me insane (almost literally) but I now know that if I got through that, I can do anything.
This year I turned eighteen, I got my license and gained my independance. Not only that but I redefined and rediscovered love in my three year relationship by learning to appreciate and accept myself, which is the only true way that others can do it too.
This year has been a whirlwind of drama and school exams and friends and fights but I am so proud to say that it has only made me a better and stronger, more caring and open person.
Viva 2008!
There were a few things I did this year. One of them was stop going back to my ex and move on and away from him and his messed up shiz. Another was take the plunge with my man and move in with him. And another was book my tickets for my trip overseas next year. SQUEEE. Life is good.
Landing my first paramedic job, and getting paid to save lives! Awesome!
I fell in love and he fell, too.
I quit my crappy, crappy job at a cafe I hated and got a job at Whole Foods. It doesn’t sound like much, but my entire world has changed since then. Let’s see…
-I moved out of a terrible roommate situation.
-I met some truly amazing friends at work.
-I got over my ex (well, mostly…we dated for 6 years, so he’ll always have a place in my heart).
-I met a really awesome guy…we’re taking it pretty slow, but I love the anticipation of calls and texts and dates.
-I’m finally happy with who I am and where I am and what I’m not.
I finally realized that I needed to stop trying to please everyone else, and start living my life for me. And oh boy, my life did a complete one eighty. I feel so much happier now that I live my life for me and do what makes me happy, not others. My life has been so, so, SO much more fun and worthwhile with this new mentality. I laugh more, hug more, cry more, have new – and true! – friends, met an amazing boy, and I am truly happy with myself. I can truly say the best part of this year was finding that all I need to do is be me :)
I handed my resignation paper to my employer after realizing my love for clothing so that I could go to fashion school. Best. Ever.
I learned to trust my desire.
this year, i went into the foster system. i had left my father because of an alcohol problem, and it was the best thing i had done. it’s a bit sad, but it helped me become a stronger person. living in a culturally-diverse home, i began to value my family more than i ever had. i also began to respect other people, learn that just because others are different than you doesn’t mean they are wrong, and that if you can make it through some of the most anomalous situations in your life, you can make it through everything. in august i turned eighteen and am now on my own… i have my own apartment, i am attending college, and i have a better relationship with my father.
I spent all summer walking, drawing, and teaching English to tiny Guatemalan kids. It was my first solid two months away from home, alone, and I found out I could actually listen to myself think.
Realizing how amazing my relationship is! We’ve been together 6 years, but I definitely take him for granted at times.
Alternately: realizing that it’s okay to not have a 100% slid plan as a senior in college, and then subsequently realizing and admitting that I want to be an author.
The best thing was defiantly realizing how much my friends really care about me.
I moved out to San Francisco which is the new love of my life. It has opened so many doors for me that I never imagined it ever would have. It’s been a beautiful and lovely city to me!
Moving to Australia.
I got stuck in an elevator and made new friends inside!
I found my inner self-confidence. I always knew it was there somewhere, however, it took almost 18 years to fully discover they true potential of feeling good about yourself. I have always been really shy and had such low self esteem, but starting university this year, and gaining this new found independence have forced me to stand up and reinvent myself.
It is so nice to now wake up in the morning knowing that it doesn’t matter what happens I know that I can successfully ignore the bad things and focus on all of the good. Who knew the world had good things?!
Best thing that happened to me this year:
A friend messaged me telling me that my all-time favourite band (X-Japan) had rebanded after a decade for a final weekend of concerts in Tokyo, and told me I should come and stay with her and come to the concert.
Without another thought, I bought tickets to the concerts, and the following day I booked my flight, and then the month after I flew out in the middle of midterms (missing a lab in the process) to Tokyo, travelling on my own for the first time.
The concerts brought me to tears again and again (this band helped me through a very hard time in my life), and on the last day of the concerts for the last encore they played my all-time favourite song. I know it was played for me.
I spent the rest of the week in Tokyo destressing, living wildly, and experiencing a life completely different to my own.
Best memory of my life thus far. :]
~roxy
Today. I woke up feeling really positive and with a renewed sense of direction. After a year of feeling really lost at sea.
That was the best thing that happened.
Also having a photo shoot with my family for my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary was a major highlight.
Thank you for asking!
The boyfriend and I finally moved in to a place without roommates! Hey there, loungin’ around in underpants— I’ve missed you so!
I’ve also feel like I’ve just generally taken charge of my life, got my motorcycle permit, got started on my bitchin’ sleeve, and welcomed a puppy in to my life!
2008’s been good to me. :D
My boyfriend moving away to university. It sounds weird at first. But I never would’ve imagined that the distance would actually make us so much closer. It’s been so incredibly difficult and agonizing and yet we’ve fought our way through it and triumphed against the long-distance odds. There’s a greater magnetism between us now, a feeling of alignment and utter joy. I’ve visited him for two very short weekends and each time I’ve set foot on the train to make my four hour journey to him, it feels like I’m coming home. :)
breaking up with my boyfriend at the time, in January was so overdue that all the sadness I could possibly felt was easily EASILY overcome by the overWHELMING sense of relief. I became the girl I’d always wanted to be. I made new friends, new best friends and really grew as a person. At the time I wrote that carrie quote about finding someone who loves the person you love. & then, in september, I did. So yeah :)
Honestly?
When my dad allowed me to live in an entirely different country (JAPAN!!!) for a month next January. ALONE.
Sorting my papers and applying for my visa made me feel overwhelmed by excitement at the thought of finally being independent for a change! Having lived a sheltered life in a Filipino Mormon household for 20 years, nothing can excite me more than the prospect of being able to live my own life, even for just a month (I’m still a student hahaha)!
Descovering incredible self confidence.
Being pround of who I am, and loving myself.
And. Finding galadarling.com
xo
The best thing that happened to me this year was taking a leave from college. I felt like it wasn’t taking me where I wanted to go—in fact, I didn’t know where I wanted to go and still don’t! But this time off is going to be a blessing. It’s the first time I’ve taken a break from school since I started going, so I’m going to explore my interests more freely than ever before!
My birthday this year :) I was woken up early by my girlfriend, who picked me up and would not tell me where we were going. We drove and drove and finally ended up at an airport of sorts. We proceeded to climb into some very awesome jumpsuits, get into an airplane, go up 10,000ft, and jump! It was the most surreal, indescribable, incredibly amazing experience! And she is terrified of heights…it is her number one fear, and she jumped out of an airplane for me, because she knew it was my dream to do.
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Afterward, we went to a secret inlet near the ocean, and petted wild manatees that came right up to the shore. We walked along the deserted inlet until we came to the beach, and after walking up the beach, we came upon a blanket, with a sushi picnic, candles, a huge bouquet of sunflowers (my favorite), beautifully-wrapped presents, and a framed picture of the two of us. It was beautiful. Her friends, who set it up, were hiding and taking paparazzi photos :)
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After the surprise picnic, we drove back to her home. Once in her neighborhood, she blindfolded me. We drove up to her house, and she opened my door, took off my blindfold, and there were all of my friends, standing in front of a HUGE castle-shaped bounce house (like you would see at a kid’s fair or party)! It was the first surprise party I’ve ever had! We all bounced in the bounce house like 8 year olds (instead of 20-30somethings), had an amazing vegan potluck dinner, played board games, and bounced some more!
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It was beyond amazing :)
I went to college far far away… and I discovered INDEPENDENCE =).
Being 17 and living all alone in a new place was scary, but I’ve met some amazing people I’ve learned SO much about myself and the world. Freedom and love and comfort are all amazing things, but none of it matters unless you know who you are and can love yourself for it.
I’ve had happier years, nicer living arrangements, parents that have loved me and supported me since the day I was born… but this is my life, and I’ve created it all on my own without anyone there to hug me or comfort me… and I found light. I think thats pretty amazing.
Best thing that happened to me this year was that I got braces!
After years of being really self-conscious and unhappy with my smile…and the pain of wonky teeth sometimes making me completely maul my mouth with a wrong bite…I bit the bullet and went to an orthodontist.
Its almost been another year now (I got them on on Valentines Day!) and the improvement is so awesome. I love smiling with braces on and I can’t wait til they’re off too. Yay!
Its been a good year :-D
I lived on my own and I made it through.
I jumped out of a plane! It was the most exhilarating moment of my life, and I loved every second of it and am going to try to do it every year!
Overall, it hasn’t been a good year for me but what’s made all the difference, and made it bearable was becoming more self-confident. It’s amazing how much easier life became when I learned to love and respect myself.
Starting my own blog which has helped me to become more confident and creative in all areas of my life which led to a closer relationship with my BFF and lots of new friends to socialise with.
My best friends and I all got footie pajamas and wore them while we watched Love Actually and ate cookies!
I started seeing a psychiatrist for my anxiety and I think it’s helping!
I moved to Germany, got rid of a bad boyfriend and finally started to love myself and my life.
I learned to be alone (or started — still learning!) and I discovered iCiNG. :D
I fell in love with a boy on my bus and through handy connections; took him to my school formal :)
Got engaged to my loverboy on June 6th. Best day ever! xoxo
-my best friend recommended me exclusively for my first “real world” job & I got it!
-I joined WW and am starting to gain control over food
I got the best job ever at value village where i am slowly reliving my childhood with scandalous bloomers, more shoes than i could ever need, and a blossoming playground romance with a freckled hispanic
I finished high school- it is the most amazing feeling in the world… it feels I have been freed also… No more uniform and I can wear all the sparkly nail polish in the world!!! and got big day out tickets :) xoxo
Oh Gala, I didn’t even have to think.
The best thing I did this year was move out – not from my parents, but from my roommate.
It’s such a long crazy story – we were friends, she went away to Europe a virgin young thing and came back…very liberal, with both boys and politics. Thing was, she’d tell me to be vegetarian, and then eat my deli meat. She’d bring four boys over when I wasn’t there and leave to get some food while they went into my room and hacked my laptop. Then her mother/my landlady would call me, asking if I has seen her daughter and would I please tell her to call her mother? She bought a cat, didn’t take care of it (to where it pissed on the carpet, its litterbox was so full), lost it over winter break, and did not take care of the resulting fleas. Food left in her room over summer break resulted in a pungent miasma (on top of the sex-smell cloud that was always around her door)(imagine trying to walk past her door to go to uni while moans and screams are coming out!), plus cockroaches.
I finally moved out, but then her dad called mine and called me a lying piece of shit, among other insults and threats. That whole family is batshit crazy.
But regardless, I am so so happy with my new place. The joys of living alone, Gala! You know them too! Even if I have to keep my address on the DL so my roommate’s dad won’t slash my tires. Love love love. I dance every day for sheer joy.
This is really a lil over a year ago now but telling someone that I (romantically) love them and really truly meaning (and feeling) it for the first time. Also, being told it back! Not just because I’m a mushy romantic (I don’t even think I am) but because its such an amazing feeling and now I experience it all the time!
Also, getting a surprise (kinda) hedgehog! And having my senior recital for bass clarinet (which is way I got the hedgehog).
The best thing(s) that happened to me this year are celebrating my sixteenth birthday last month and falling in love with style and fashion. (Sorry, there’s two!)
I had ice cream cake and pumpkin cheese cake to celebrate my birthday. It was delicious! I went to school in my favorite outfit and a big plastic tiara from way back when I was little. After so many years, I still feel happy and special wearing that tiara. =)
Fashion has become a passion for me. It feels wonderful to finally find something that I really love. It’s a hard feeling to explain, but it feels like it’s a sign for something good. Style and fashion has influenced me to be more positive and confident, and have to thank iCiNG for being so inspirational and glamorous!
The best thing that happened to me this year happened recently.
One of my best friends got into a really horrible car accident. (His car rolled over and he smashed the windshield and flew out 20m)
He was in a comma for 3 weeks, but now 2 months later the doctors say he’s made a full recovery :)
he was discharged yesterday.
greatest day of my whole year.
a certain one-night romance that i hope will become something more when it can.
I’m in the process of discovering myself in the best (okay, maybe second-best) city in the world.
Quitting my job at a dead end job and deciding on my next career move. Going to uni next year is going to be fun. I honestly can’t wait.
After 8 years as fulltime mum, this year I started up my own ballet school and now teach 12 classes a week. HUGE!
Knowing that, it is true: what I give is what I will receive. And that I LOVE making my people feel like the super fantabulous shiny love stars that they are. Rien Rien. Also, I so love Edith Piaff right now, and I share it and it is loved right on back. Smooch to galadarling and the universe that cradles us all. Super smooch!
I am now dating the man that I have been in love with for 10 years. I always daydreamed about how great it would be if we were together. And after 10 years of wondering, I now know, and it’s even better than I had ever imagined! He is truly the man of my dreams and my prince charming.
The best thing that happened to me this year was discovering that I didn’t actually want to go into the finance industry like my parents wanted but really pursue a career in media, hopefully journalism. This realisation has made me so much happier and I now feel somewhat free and excited for the many possibilities.
I saved a life. A fishes life.
Last year around this time I was travelling throughout Thailand with my boyfriend. For the first week of our trip we decided to stay on a little island named Koh Samet. During our stay on the island we decided to take a boat tour, during which we would get to visit a fish farm, snorkel and go fishing….
The latter of which I was not aware of until the moment the captain starting handing out his makeshift fishing rods. Now I have ALWAYS been overly sensitive to death, and that only heightened at the age of 16 when my grandmother died of cancer. This, of course being my very first experience with death, and being easily traumatized I was deeply effected for many years.
Anyways, back to the story so I get to experience the beauty, and complexity of the ocean through the stop to snorkel, and even more so when we stop at the fish farm where they show you rare and beautiful sea creatures. At this point, I’m dying of devotion towards the universe, Thailand and of course the ocean. When suddenly we make an unexpected stop, in the middle of the ocean of all places. So I grab my camera and start doing my whole “documentative photographer” bit when the “captain” starts handing out fishing line and little hooks tied to a pop can. Suddenly people are dropping their lines into the water, and within minutes beautiful oceanic fish are pulled from the water.
I will make point quickly from here. I, at this point sit down and spend a few minutes crying to myself, when suddenly my boyfriend, full of sympathy for just how pathetic his girlfriend really is, points out a fish flopping around on the deck beneath a chair. Somehow having had alluded all of the other boat passengers, this fish had decided he was going to live. I grab the little guy and chuck him into the water, rather than quickly swim away he just lies there as if he has decided life just wasn’t worth it for one, two, three seconds before he wiggles his little fin and swims aways. Seeing this, I burst into tears, once again.
Now I live in reality I am COMPLETELY aware of how this message sounds, I live a relitively carnivorous life (I’m pretty sure carnivorous isn’t a word). I eat meat, that has been slaughtered, but to be able to save a life, was such an empowering moment. It truly freed me from the mental oppression I has placed on myself after my grandmothers death. For years I suffered from horrific panic attacks and wasn’t ablle to do simply things I had done before her death. I was so afraid to die, I never let myself live. Later my very optimistic mother said, quite off-handedly that “the fish probably died soon after from lack of oxygen to it’s brain” but that wasn’t the point. The point was that the universe was able to teach me that if your willing to fight for your right to live, REALLY live maybe a young twenty- something in a two-piece will scoop you up and give you a second chance at REALLY living.
Thanks for doing what you do everyday Gala, I adore your blog.
Nicole
P.s: Hopefully my comment wasn’t tooooo long.
I started college. :]
I worked though my depression – held a distinction average at college – and landed the job I’ve always wanted – all after I tried to commit suicide….twice.
Thank God I survived.
Oh, and I learnt I’m alot stronger then I give myself credit for.
I went on an Outward Bound trip. It was two weeks in Maine, and I hiked and canoed. It was amazing because I learned that the word “can’t” is not in my vocab. I also learned that I can do it, what ever it is.
I also am in the learning process of how to live. I am at a gap year program, where I have to get and maintain an internship, buy food, deal with finances, deal with apartmentmates, and just learn how to live on my own. It is great because I am not living with my parents, and I am taking over my own life. It is a really great feeling.
i finally realized my own dream and moved across the country to NYC. I’ve made new friends and have started a new life. Oh, and I finally graduated university.
My daddy came home from Iraq. :)!
Becoming best friends with my ex-boyfriend, D. He is my biggest supporter and I am his biggest fan! It’s been a rocky road to get there, because most people don’t understand that it’s possible to end one relationship truly amicably, but start a new one without any ill feelings. I love him dearly, and I’m really enjoying getting to know and experience my relationship with him in a totally different way!
Besides meeting my current beau (which has been a HUGE part of ’08)? I think it was re-discovering/the re-emergence of all the loved ones in my life. This year wasn’t especially exciting or dramatic or adventurous; it was safe and cosy and comfortable – and through out it all, I knew where the love and support was coming from. That sweet little knowledge made my year shine.
So yes, that’s been the best thing to happen to me this year… besides winning this competition, of couse! ;)
—xo.
finally realizing that I need to stop being people’s therapists and actually make a friends that don’t need them. And then doing just that.
I chose the career that would make me happy…and started making steps towards achieving it
The best thing that has happened to me this year has been learning who my true friends are. And really, I don’t have many close friends anymore. I was glad that I found out who they were now rather than later. It was a really good learning experience.
P.s, another thing was finishing high school and getting into university for a bachelor of design majoring in photographic design!
Moved into my very own studio apartment. Everything is just the way I want it and no one can tell me otherwise.
Loosened up. Seriously. I’ve always been waaaaaay too uptight. And hated it.
Got closer to my boyfriend of almost 6 years, but I’ll spare you the details. It is wonderful.
Learned to knit socks.
I discovered galadarling.com!
My best thing this year was seeing the real changes that art school has made to me – my life, my art, my attitude – I feel like a whole new person (one that I like so much better than the old me).
discovered my love for fashion
I had an epiphany and realised I wanted to study law, so on a whim I applied for some courses and was accepted! Through this I’ve learned so many fascinating things and met so many great people it’s been amazing!
I also started a blog, which must get a mention since writing it has been a real buzz!
The best thing that’s happened this year: I discovered my love for cake decorating.
i figured out what i want to do with my future.
i don’t know, i just decided that this year was going to be absolutely amazing and from then on no matter what happened i just believed in the beauty of life. and i guess that was the best thing this year. :)
I quit uni and a horrible job, and started fresh despite other peoples negative comments and judgement.. and have never been happier
I feel kind of evil posting this.. ^^
One day, earlier this year, I was sitting in my favourite little restaurant, waiting for my laksa. The service in the restaurant is not good at all. The waitresses are quite rude, you have to wait a while for your meal to arrive and they can hardly speak English, but the food is magnificent. However, on this particular day, God smiled upon me. As I was sitting in that restaurant, suddenly a verbal fight arose between two of the waitresses. They were furiously yelling at each other in broken English. I laughed so hard at their attempts to insult each other amongst all of their grammatical errors and limited vocabulary.
And I feel so bad for finding it so incredibly hilarious. I know that it’s not their faults that they cannot speak English very well, and that getting a kick out of that probably makes me an evil person.. But somehow, it was the funniest thing I have ever witnessed XD
Early this year my two brothers, Riley and Cory, died. They were only eight and ten years old. Our parents were not the greatest and were serious workaholics so being significantly older I basically raised them. I loved them in a way I can’t even describe. They were my everything. I would have done absolutely anything for them. I was a mess for so long and thought about suicide a hundred times. One night it was really bad, and as I was walking home from work I decided that tonight was the last night I was going to feel that sad and I was going to commit suicide. I made a plan and stopped at the store to buy enough sleeping pills to kill an elephant but somehow I ended up noticing words spray painted on a wall outside the store that said “the sun will shine again” and as corny and lame as it sounds that was enough for me to get help.
Annd, the point of all that was to say, the best thing that happened to me this year (because it was a horrible, horrible one) was looking up at a random wall on a random street to read a random message.
I went to NYC, saw the best concert of my life, saw my favorite musical for the last time ever on broadway, AND (most important) met my best friend, who I have known since we were probably 16, in person for the very first time. It’s one month until I see her again, and I cannot wait.
Gaining wisdom and growing into maturity with my chosen family.
Moving from Buffalo, NY to San Francisco. It could possibly be the best thing I’ve done in my life and possibly the worst, but just taking the risk has been exhilarating. More than that, I finally realized that whether this move is a success or failure, I’ll be okay, and isn’t “no matter what, I’ll be okay” the best gift one can give oneself?
got engaged!!!!
OMG- I love the alarm clock!
The best thing to happen to me this year was that I made a big decision to change paths after months of feeling lost and confused. Now I feel like a new person! And I’m so happy to be where I am.
Finding myself
Getting my driving licence!!
having the confidence to finally learn to pole dance
Not traveling overseas to Paris and London although that was a huge dream of mine and I enjoyed it immensely, but coming home and seeing all my extended family (50 cousins), Christmas dramas and all, it’s like an episode of Neighbours!
This year I learned that stress is not a necessary requirement of day to day life and that I can control my thought processes. I think this is the most wonderful thing to happen to me this year and I imagine that I will benefit from this for the rest of my life :)
I got over a broken heart. Hopefully my answer for next year will be that I found a great love. :)
I became the opposite of invisible… visible. For years I have tried to hide myself, to make myself as small to the world as possible. I have a perception disorder called Irlen Syndrome, in which I wear coloured lenses that allow me to cope better with the bright lights and distractions in school. I am quite self conscious with my pair for school as they are large sunglass frames with dark purple lenses (totally rock star, I know! But back then I didn’t have the self confidence to carry myself in them proudly). When I decided to act on my first crush, I realized that in order to catch his attention I needed to be noticeable. I began to take care in my appearance, choosing outfits that I felt self-assured and assertive in. It felt good to dress up and look awesome for a reason, for a guy… and now I know it should be for myself as well. Unfortunately I also have body image issues that bring up anxiety, especially around clothing. But this year I was determined to not let the anxiety take over my person style or happiness. I took a risk, putting myself out there to see for the first time. I wanted to be noticed and I strove to create a relationship that I had not experienced before. I was scared, I feared rejection for presenting who I truly was in my heart. It was the best risk I have ever taken, I fell in love in the process! The guy who inadvertently helped me step out of my shell is now my boyfriend of nine breathtaking months! I’m happier now than I’ve been in years… the change in myself has affected my confidence and the way I interact with people. It has not only changed me inwardly but physically as well. I am finally feeling more comfortable with myself, I no longer feel that I have something to hide. My body is now something I can feel good about, and I am harbouring less feelings of frustration towards it. This year has been wildly transformative, and I’ve learned that if I allow myself to be who I am without reservations, stunning and wonderful outcomes will emerge from my courage!
Getting some perspective on life and being happier where I am!
By far, my best decision this year was to apply for Katimavik(.org), a non-profit youth organization in Canada where youth can explore Canada, volunteer and learn a second language for nine months. I started in September and my experience has far exceeded any expectations I may have had.
I’m made new friends, am learning a new language, and am learning about new passions and interests that I didn’t know I had!
I completed my psychology degree with A+s all around aftr 3 years of hard work :-)
high five to the girl who used a vibrator for the first time!
This year i discovered a more fabulous independant Sunny! That in itself is a prize
I have known the best boy on earth and now we’re together. I have been to London (my favourite city) twice. I have passed an important exam and now I’ going to study translation. I like my body. The relationship with my parents is great. I have discovered new lovely music groups. Christmas is coming soon. Now, I wear heels every day. Life is beautiful. I love life :)
Finally getting my big tattoo done. Have been wanting to for years, and now I finally have it. Loving it!
i has sex for the first time. i waited a very long time to give it up and i lost it to a person that i felt so comfortable and safe with.
I got paid to do theatre for the first time! I’m majoring in theatre, so getting paid to stage manage a show was the first step on the path to making a career out of it. I’ve also been hired to stage manage an opera in January — I’m so excited!
Best thing to happen to me this year was to realise I am happy in myself.
I realised that even though my life isn’t perfect, its pretty god damn great and I’m happy with it.
I also realised it’s ok to be single, and I don’t NEED a boy to make myself feel complete.
I got my tonsils taken out, and all of a sudden three years of poor health and general misery were over.
I also fell in love for the first time in my life, and although myself and boy are not together anymore, I am somewhat still basking in the warm fuzzy afterglow.
I joined a band. After years of declaring I’d only ever write and play music solo (I had issues with being brave enough to share music with other people) I took a leap and have had such a fun year as a result. We’ve had the chance to make beautiful music, won a grant to fund our first album which we are currently mixing, and have played a heap of gigs. Best of all my band mates are my best friends.
So many great things have happened this year, but the best would be all the true moments of pure happiness that occured frequently as a result of just enjoying where I am at the moment, and feeling lucky to have such a great life. :D
Working out that I have no clue what I’m going to do in the future, where I’m going and what’s going to happen.
And being absolutely fine with that
I spent two months working at a zoo! I had the best summer EVER, and it convinced me that I have found my calling, and I want to work with animals for the rest of my life =)
After getting over a stomach ulcer (which I DO NOT recommend) I – finished a new film (reviews up here: www.roguecinema.com/article) – Wrote my thesis on the French New Wave, and gained a second degree (all before I turned 22) – Went from Perth, Australia to Europe for the first time, in which I spoke French and fell completely in love with Paris. – Got over my body image issues, and began modelling for www.godsgirls.com
one of my dearest friends had a fatal accident just a week ago, obviously that’s not the best thing that’s happened to me and i definitely wish it had never happened, but it has made me realize how fragile life is and how life is way too short to live it any other way than i want to. it is terribly sad that such an awful thing happened but i’m so happy it made me realize there’s simply not time enough to dwell in misery, to spend hours ranting about how boring life is or how stupid that boy is. this year i found out i don’t have the time to focus on anything but being happy, do what makes me feel good and making sure people i love know they are loved and beautiful. i’ve spent most of my life trying to figure out what others what me to do or be, now i truly understand that’s not what life is about.
Okay, totally predictable but at the same time, very true. My boyfriend! He’s made me the happiest girl on this planet and I don’t know what i’d do without him.
Also, my blog! : ) I love that i’ve managed to create a little community and have met so many lovely people through it.
x
Well, I got a promotion with my work, which is going great, even though my other half and I have had to move apart for a few months, the whole thing has made us stronger and closer than ever. We can go though anything together and come out smiling at the other end. He also took me on a Surprise 2 week trip to Florida!! I didn’t have a clue about where I was going. We spent nearly every day at Disney and I loved it. We also decided that if we were to get married. The it would be at Disney on the beach near Magic Kingdom. I also feel that I my self have grown and changed this year which is always a bonus!
But over all just the constant love and affection my other half seems to pour down upon me, even when times are hard he is always smiling and makes me smile. He does everything he can to help me get through a day, he is the best thing that has happened to me this year by far!
Ps I also now really like Disney before hand I hated it :P
I moved to the city, away from my family, I made like 7 excellent friends at uni, I can do whatever I want, I met some of my favourite people, bands and internet friends.
I turned 18.
But I think the best thing was discovering how shit most people are. and then just avoiding them, and making friends with the awesome people.
I’d love to say some good boy-related thing, but boys and me are just no. I’m like a leper.
in general this was one of my best years ever. trully. but there are basically two best things. first is my trip to stockholm to visit my friend, and in general these few daays spent in sweden. it is so important to me, because it was i guess the end of the process of us beggining good friends again (our friendship ended some time ago and since then i very missed him). second one, more personal is that i realised, that i become someone diffrent and i’m not quite sure if i like that person, so i started to change. i didn’t get to the point where i’m fully satisfied, but in general i mostly achieved all i wanted. cheers!
I learned to stop seeking validation from others. And it has been fantastic!
In August/September I went on a banger rally across Europe with four friends and it was one of the most unforgettable times of my life. In around 11 days we went to France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Holland and Belgium. We met some incredible people and saw some incredible things. Good times. Amazing times.
It’s been the year where I have found myself…twice.
1) I fell in love with this incredible man who I adore more than anyone in my life ever and I knew that he is the one I want to dance all my dances with, have our child(ren), discover the world side-by-side – something I never thought I will find. I never knew someone would make me feel the way I feel right now. After I graduate from uni in January we will be moving in together in foreign country! Big step ahead! From him and from this I have discovered what love really is!!
2) I fell off the horse and broke my spine! Because of that I have really had the time in last 3months to just lie in bed and do all those thing I never really have time to: clean my computer, read really good and oh so many books, do some soul searching, read a lot of blogs, study a lot (even started studying my 6th language overall), watch my favorite films, listen some music, write letters to long lost friends. Everything that I was too “busy” to do before. I can walk but I’m not permitted to sit, jet.. so I couldn’t get away from my parents house – but spending some quality time with them also opened up a lot in me. Because i had all the time in my hand I really liked to just think of the question: “What do I really want to do with my life?” And I have found out things I never thought before…now I know what I want to do with my life. And I’m already living my dream…
I got married to the most wonderful man!
...and besides that i am a reformed pessimist : i now can find the positive in every situation.
The best thing this year has been hitting rock bottom. Because of that I got help and am now dealing with some unresolved issues… and I feel better and happier than I have in a decade.
It’s not the most fun thing, but certainly the very best.
Plus, my therapist is awesome and has great style!
I have felt more confident this year which is absolutely fantastic for me, as I’m not exactly a confident person.
Best thing place-wise was going to the Give It A Name festival in May this year in London, seeing loads of amazing bands and meeting great new people. So much fun!
Uhhh oh! I feel like I could think of so many good things!
Maybe the best thing then is that I went through an incredibly frustrating and gut-wrenching month towards the beginning of the year, and it totally pushed me to a realization that I have a lot of amazing friends in my life that I want to keep very close, as well as help me realize what I admire and want in my future friendships and push me to find such good traits in myself and the people around me. Uhhh, super-cheeseball but I’m so serious! If I hadn’t gone through something so shitty, I don’t feel like I’d have grown into the awesome place I am now. :>
I know that something less abstract would make for a better comment, but I feel like I could name so many good things for each month of this year!
I went to Thailand in january and instead of doing the touristy thing i went to a tiny muslim fishing village hugely affected by the tsunami and volunteered at their animal rescue centre. iv never worked SO HARD in my entire life but doing it all for something other than myself was an amazing experience that i only wish i had enough money to do all over again. and the monkeys were SOOO cute. had to go back to normal life afterwards but by far the best experience of the year!!!
I graduated from university with an English degree and was accepted to another college for Journalism. I feel like my life is finally going the way I want it to go!
Beating depression was awesome, but the very best part about 2008 was realizing how strong two of my friendships are. I lost my best friend in 2007 because of my illness, so I entered 2008 thinking my friends wouldn’t be able to handle being in the know. Thankfully, I was proven wrong. My two closest have stayed with me through my good times and bad, and they’re better to me than I ever could have imagined. Trusting them makes me so happy. If I could choose between being my old, healthy life and this one, CFS/ME and all included, I’d pick this, and knowing that is SO empowering.
A few great things happened to me—-
1)My brother had beautiful twins!
2) My artwork got published in magazines! So exciting!
A pretty bizarre thing happened as well- I found out my boyfriend was a member of a cult which worships the devil in the form of a peacock…. I had to google it before I believed him!finding myself in a completely new environment and meeting new people that I click with immediately! While my old friends are cool and all that, these new friends help me see a different side of myself :D
I spent last New Year’s Eve standing on the edge of San Francisco Bay, thousands of miles from home (i’m from London) with two of my best girlfriends in the world watching fireworks explode over the water, surrounded by thousands of people.
It started a year in which I have met some amazing new people, found the direction to my life in a job that I love and discovered strength and bravery I never knew I had. So for me this year was about endings and new beginnings, and starting this year in an amazing new place is symbolic of everything I learnt this year – just how much is out there if you don’t let yourself get scared away!
my two best moments were:
1. Achieving my 3 year old goal to get into the art college of my choice. it’s been worth it.
2. travelling to prague on a total whim with my best friend. it was the greatest!!!
Well, it’s probably all a little cliché but I found a boyfriend, who loves me and accepts me the way I am (no more jerks for me!) Also, I finally am learning to stop listening to what other people think of me and then try to be that way, but just be myself. No matter if they think I’m silly or goofy or even stupid. I am who I am and if they don’t like me, they’re probably not worth my time. (And because I learned that, I’ve finally decided on the college I want to go to, after failing journalism, which I started because everyone else thought it’d be good for me) – it wasn’t. I shall now go study language and cultural studies at university (Which everyone thought to be too hard for me) – but I don’t care. Even if I fail I know I’ll have tried my hardest and it’s what I want, not what others expect of me, so it’ll be a good experience regardless of failing or succeeding.
I got engaged! Pretty standard, but true and wonderful. :)
I’ve lived on my own since the age of 17, which has been financially difficult. I’ve had no input from my parents and I thought I was doomed to a life of working an office for the rest of my days.
However, last year I started an evening course and this year I secured a place to study Fine Art at one of the best Art colleges in England. My life is completely different, I am in a new city and I have made amazing new friends. This is one subject I don’t get bored of, I love learning about concepts Artists have thought up, and I’m never happier than when I’m splashing paint about or elbow deep in plaster.
I’m planning to be a teacher (because I loved doing youth work – it must be the same, right?! :-P) but I’d like to do this part time so I can work on being an Artist (and a mother too, by the way things are looking!)
i passed my exams, got into the university of my choice, and am now living and studying in the city i’ve wanted to live in sice i was 8 years old :)
living the dream, folks.
I went on holiday with a boy for the first time, at the grand old age of 26. We sunbathed, ate good food, drank cheap wine and laughed. Constantly.
It was utterly perfect.
This may sound silly, but I got a new job, and it did huge things for how confident, outgoing and independent I am. And having money is nice.
Oh – so much brilliant radiance I barely know where to begin. I’m still quite insecure in myself, but this has been a year of perpetual affirmation, so much that I feel twice the height I did last December. The best thing to happen to me this year was, probably, my friends.
But, if I need to claim an event, I’d have to chose working for the Tiny Tea Tent. The TTT is an eco-friendly tent which serves… wait for it… tea. More to the point, it serves about a hundred different types of tea, as well as other hot beverages, at some of the best UK festivals. It’s run on solar power, wind power that gets accumulated as it drives from festival to festival, and heat from a wood-burner. And its amazing.
I only got to spent one weekend working for them this year, but it was like living a gap year all over again, the same rush of potential and excitement, of stars shining impossibly bright and sitting up strumming at guitars well into the small hours. Scribbling poetry in a tattered notebook and pouring endless cups of tea out to strings of blissful customers. Dancing… a weekend filled with music and dancing and the dreams that seem too idealistic in the cold light of term-time. It tasted of apple & cinnamon, red wine and wood-smoke, sounded like all the best fusions and felt like warm grass beneath the feet. The nights were cold and the midges were biting and I burnt myself several times… I wouldn’t have changed it for the world!
This year I made a change. And next year I’m making cupcakes.
Following the death of my Dad in January, I finally am beginning to find comfort in the support of my friends and family, and I recently got an excellent job, made a bunch of new friends and completed my postgraduate degree. To be able to acheive these things within a year of the worst day of my life has brought me a level of pride, joy and peace.
Accepting myself :)
the best moment of this year was breaking up with my boyfriend of 3 and a half years, he wasnt a dead-beat or anything like that, he was actually almost perfect. but the relationship was over and i needed to leave. nearly 4 weeks after the breakup we still manage to live together and are the best of friends.
im completely scared but in the best way possible and im excited to re-discover and fall in love with myself again, plan new fabulous adventures for myself. and im glad i have a new friend by my side that knows be better than anyone in the world.
*Well, at the age of 23 I was able the unleash my inner 17 year old by going to see Twilight, and an actual American high school play/musical with my younger cousins. *Sir Ben Kingsley was honorary recipient at my graduation this year, and he smiled at me!!
I got fired from my job of 5 years.
Not even for a good reason. It was because some guy accused me of something and management decided to back him up… not me.
Trust me- it was terrible at first, but that job was my excuse why I wasn’t going back to school since it took up most of my time. I was way too comfortable there and was taking on more and more responsibilities.
After sulking, I signed back up for school and got a great new job at a funky little boutique. I love my job there and my boss is fantastic! She even lets me do my homework there and talk on the phone lol.
Well my grades are outstanding and things are great :)
I was assaulted relatively recently, and first reacted by trying to mentally re-gain control of my own sex life, then realized that wasn’t going to work and gave up on boys/relationships/sex altogether, got rather depressed, blah blah blah, but that is not the real point of this post.
I spent the past 3.5 months in Ireland, and I met this amazing boy. and while I’m pretty sure the relationship itself won’t last, he has restored my faith in the fact that functional relationships and nice men actually exist, which is a huge weight off my shoulders and by far the best thing that has happened to me all year.
telling the truth about something I really needed to…
I made a new best friend who I know I will have forever.
man, everyone has done such amazing things this year.
i fell in love and learnt so much about myself, and about what it is to truly care for another.
i gained the strength to say i didn’t want to know someone, and made so many friends to fill that gap.
i finished school, horrible long slog that it was.
but probably what i’m most proud of is that i’ve become the person i always wanted to be – i feel like i’ve arrived.
it rules.
The best thing that happened to me this year was, with the help of my parents, The Boyfriend and I were able to purchase our first house! It won’t be ready for us to move in to untill sometime in (hopefully early) 2009, but thanks to lots and lots of help and hard work from family and friends, it’s going to be a pretty nice little place. It’s all ours, and that’s wonderfully exciting.
I graduated university with a degree in East Asian Studies, and then I moved to China! I’m only here for a year, but it’s so incredible. The only problem is that the time is going by too fast, and there’s too much to do and see here!
Honestly, my life before seems like a bit of a bad dream. I had good friends, and good family, but I was miserable. Now I feel like I’m so happy that I’ll split open. And as weird as it sounds, I think I grew up. Here, I have to be self-reliant, which is made even more complicated by the teensy fact that my Chinese is absolutely terrible! Before, I could always rely on someone to pull me out of a crunch, to help me out if I needed it. But now… I can do things on my own. And I think that’s part of what has made me so happy here.
The Best Thing? Well, I go to a college where the girl to boy ratio is 2:1, so I don’t get noticed too much by the opposite sex. HOWEVER. One day, I stayed home to let the electrician in to fix a few things in the house. He turned out to be a very cute twenty something who flirted with me incessantly from the moment I let him in.
xxxx
A second would be, well. It’s incredibly simple but, I’m not a great public speaker, I get shaky and nervous, and that would make people wonder about my aspirations to be a teacher. Yesterday I had a presentation in my Education class. And I was awesome. I managed to get the material across while being personable and friendly instead of a shaking leaf, and even earned a kudos from the teacher and the kid that sits in front of me when I finished. It made me feel like I would be able to be a teacher and stand up in front of a class and deliver every day after all. And it was incredibly reassuring.
The best thing about my year is discovering the raw food movement, and realizing how much of what we eat has an impact on the planet and how we feel. It’s been an eye-opening year, and a definite turning point in my life.
i recieved a drama scholarship to the college of my dreams, and i did it all on my own.
i’m there now and i can’t imagine being anywhere else :)
Heaps of great things happened to me this year!
My literary magazine Read This turned a year old, and throughout the year we managed to turn out 12 gorgeous issues and get heaps of young writers on board for their first ever publishing opportunities…
I graduated from a four year MA in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, wore a great dress and went out to high tea at the superposh Balmoral hotel…
I started my own blog (inpsired by your success with iCiNG), One Night Stanzas, designed to help and encourage young poets and creative writers… three months in, it’s going swimmingly!
I got my poetry published in a whole load of big journals, won 3 major poetry prizes (totalling a scary £1900!), got head-hunted by a publisher, and got my poem featured in one the top Scottish poetry anthology…
+ heaps of other sweet stuff
I met a person who made me believe in a love at first gaze. We had fab few days together and I only thought that this would end up to be a just a fling. Before he went away we both realized that this was more and after this meeting everything changed. It really did! How pink can world be and how just little sms or emails, one minute calls or skype dates can give you a drug kinda fix for a days?! Still, I knew there were clouds at the horizon, he had a loved one back home and he thought that he already was with love of his life. Finally he told her that he had met me and fall in love and after painfull weeks he cut all the connections with me.
Well… how this can be the best thing in this year, then? I will treasure those moments together for end of my times. I miss him so much and I am heart broken for him to do the easier choise. But that also made me realised that he is not mine to be. Better this way. I am stronger, I had something bigger than life for a while, teen-kinda spring and now I have lots of power to focus on my profession which is cultural/event manager/producer. You just have to turn your weak moments to your streght. Best year ever, really!
Probably discovering Paris with my best friend before moving to the other side of England to go to music college. It prompted me to start dancing again and I love it.
Xxx
There’s a few things!! This has been the best year i have ever had, i cant pinpoint one thing!
So here I go-
* I fell in love with my boyfriend over and over again, every day. * I went to a beach and wasnt self conscious of myself, i just enjoyed it * I sold my first photograph * AAAANNNDDD I got tickets to awesome seats for the Veronicas concert
xxx
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I finally moved out of my parent’s home and adopted my two beautiful girls— Mika my kitten & Persia my snake. I’ve never been happier.
Also, discovering galadarling.com comes in at a close second.
I started the year in Tokyo!! Also, I got a 2:1 depite struggling with my course and I’ve taken the first steps to my career, by starting law school. AWESOME.
Oh an those guys on the scooter, they got my beautiful, retro seventies-yellow wallet. Grrrrrrrrr
- i let go of the one thing that was causing me all my stress and even though that hurt, i’m happy as ever now!
Going to France, was the best thing that happened to me this year. The best part was going to the Louvre and The impressionist museum an of course going all the way to the top of the Eiffel tower, it was gorgeous to see Paris at night. That was the best thing that happened to met his year.
Hmm..the best thing that’s happened to me this year. This is a tricky one, for sure.
A lot of things have happened to me this year, those things being both good and bad, but I think mainly this has been a massive year of growth. It started off very tough, having just broken free of a terrifying but very strong friendship and then, in early February I discovered iCiNG and it really did begin to change me – and I’m not just being cheesy here.
This year has seen me grow from an impatient, depressed quivering wreck to a usually happy, smiling person with a few friends I know I can trust. I’m still not quite there but I’m still working on it and I know by this time next year I’ll be there.
That, and the fact I saw the Mighty Boosh live and had front row tickets ;D
This year wasn’t perfect but it taught me alot of things. it taught me to be strong when my mom got injured, and how to deal with employers who took advantage of you. I was a fashion intern for awhile and the company manipulated us interns, so I learn to stand up to these people. And now, finally, I’ve ended the year, on a good, peaceful note.so the ups and downs would have to be the best thing!
This year I’ve had some kinda backwards nervous breakdown (I’ve had bad bad breakdowns in the past) and I’ve become a randomly happy crazy person. I love it! I think I may have lost my marbles but I’m not pretty much the person I always wanted to be and I’m well on track to getting my life back together
Well… quite a few good things have happened to me this year. The most amazing was finding an amazing lover who I am 100% sexually compatible with… that’s been pretty wonderful. The second is my achievements in uni… I got my first distinction for a lab report in psych! That was awesome! And yeah… that’s pretty much the two main things that have been pretty wonderful this year! But hey, the year isn’t over yet, who knows what wonderful things are waiting to happen?!
Well the best thing that has happened to me this year is making the decision to change from studying accounting after 3 years and changing to Law. Its been the best decision I ever made. I’ve now started advanced entry to university as a mature student(yes 22 is considered mature haha!)and just got an A this week from my first uni essay!
Its taught me to be proud of myself and for once in my life know that I can actually do something that makes me happy instead of miserable :)
Raising £7316 for a cancer charity and climbing a 5000 metre mountain in India for the cause! It was the hardest, most challenging and most rewarding thing I have ever done!
xxx
i moved out! i got a house with my three best friends : )
I learned to love myself!
The best thing that has happened this year was the coincidence to see my favourite singer (Shakira!) when we were waiting at a red light. She told me hi from her van. For me, is one small step to finally meet her one day.
And also, I graduated from collegue and I’ve got an scholarship to the US for next year, what it means I will be living on my own for the first time!
I learned how to dress up & enjoy clothes and fashion! I understood that clothes are a big part of self-expression and started paying attention to what I wear! :)
I also grew closer to my friends.
Finding out, piece by piece, just how wonderful and amazing one of my friends, who I met this year in my new hometown of Sydney, truly is.
I’m the kind of person who tends to want to surround herself with really close, deep, potentially-life-long friends, rather than overloading with a massive entourage that requires a great deal of time, energy and maintenance. Moving to a new city this year to study, I got the opportunity to pretty much start fresh with my social circle, which was very exciting, but I knew it would take me a while to find people I really connected with. It has, but it’s totally been worth it in the long term.
Over the course of the year I have made quite a number of friends who I would put in the “life-long-many-D&M’s-very-close” category, but there’s one who really stood out, and his name is Aiden. Aiden is pretty much one of the weirdest, most interesting, inclusive, open minded, insane and wonderful people I’ve ever met. He’s also SAFE.. and if you don’t know what I mean by that I mean he’s a guy you know wont tell you in three years he’s been secretly in love with you all this time waiting for you to notice him (which is eeep!!).
He’s kind of unassuming in his amazingness, (I think he covers up the fact that he’s made of awesome by also being really indie, weird and awkward) but over the past months that I’ve known him, I’ve slowly discovered just how lucky I am to have him in my life and to be his friend.
SO the best thing that happened to me this year is my friendship with HIM, and the best sort of MOMENT was hearing through a d&m with one of his friends, just how much I also mean to him. So many warm, bubbly feelings :)
1) Seeing my baby nephew in Thailand for the first time then finding out I had a niece on the way (who’s now already here)
I was miserable and depressed and succeeding on my chosen career path (professorial) and somehow found the strength to leave (with my Master’s) even though it is all I’ve ever known. I moved to Boston and landed an amazing and completely unrelated job as a nanny and have never felt more free. Thanks, 2008. Good luck living up to the hype, 2009!
2)Finally paying off all my student debts, that was a pretty damn good feeling being debt free especially with the economy being in such a bad state at the moment it’s good to know that I’ve at least got no financial troubles to worry about!
moving to london, the city i have dreamed about living in since i was thirteen – leaving behind a string of horrifically unhealthy relationships, bad feelings and bad memories. the start of life as i want to live it.
I met a new best friend :) We had been boyfriend/girlfriend for about 6 months since we met on Valentine’s day until we decided to be friends instead. since then we have become best friends and I am so happy that I met him, we are so close and I can tell him everything, things I don’t even tell my best girls!
I became they aunt to two little boys! Best feeling ever, just to see their smiling faces…
This entire year was one big whirlwind of awesome! But I’d have to say meeting my favorite band, Say Anything, was probably the best. I still smile everytime I look at the note Alex wrote me :)
the best thing that happened to me this year was that i got to spend a major part of it with my three “medlies”.i really don’t no any other way of describing better who they are to me other than this bizarre random word which came from one of the many sounds that one of us made while having a uncontrollable laughing fit(its also probably because its what we refer to each other as).but i felt this word that doesn’t mean anything to anyone other than the four of us encompasses the time i had with them this year. it was such a stressful year, but in the middle of it all each of us was bringing a positive quality to our lives that not only made it bearable but simply one of the greatest years ever.
its difficult to explain but trying to has made me smile:) medly-love to everyone!!!
The best thing that’s happened to me all year is happening in a few weeks- finally graduating from college! I took four years off after high school and was wasting my life. i finally went back to pursue my education & worked very hard for 4 and a half years. It’s wonderful to see this work pay off and my family be proud of me.
These comments are amazingly inspiring! What a great question to ask anyone.
As weird as it is, I discovered GalaDarling, and ended up getting back all the self-confidence, hope, and happiness I thought I’d lost after losing my boyfriend of about 3 years and then having a string of really bad boyfriends follow.
the best thing that happened to me this year…
i finally figured out who i am. after string upon string of “life changes”, i let go of all preconceived ideas of me and let myself just be me. and in the process got engaged to most amazing person i’ve ever encountered :)
I fell in love. And along with that, I’ve grown. It’s been lovely, it’s been warm and fuzzy, it’s been sick and self-destructive. It made me realize that I’m interesting just the way I am, and that I can rock someone’s world. But I love, I’m being loved and that’s the best thing that has happened to me so far.
Reading these has made me SO HAPPY! Just so you guys know… you are amazing.
I married my love, fell even deeper in love with him, discovered raw food, EFT, broke away from many old habits, and started baby no. 2 !
My best friend, who I think of as my sister, and I celebrated our Decade of Friendship with an awesome party that included vegan dirt pudding, traveling tacos, and square pizza (we met in junior high, in the Midwest). My life would not be the same without her; she has helped me grow, and our opposite points-of-view force each other to think in different ways. She is and will always be the best thing in my life.
I took the plunge and actually bought plane tickets to Paris, for the honeymoon we never took…
Being invited to perform at Torture Garden in London!
It was my first trip to Europe, plus I got paid to be there, AND Torture Garden had been a major inspiration for me for a loooooooooooooooooooong time! It was sooooooooo super rad! And I got to see my friend who moved to London, and also performed in Amsterdam for the producers of Wasteland, and went to IBIZA for a 3 day vacation!! That was seriously the bestest BESTEST thing to happen to me this year – and possibly in my life so far!
I got a kidney donor :)
I married my fiancé in Boston’s City Hall, with just some family and friends as witnesses. Then, at the end of the summer, we moved on with our lives—we had each gotten job offers a few months earlier at different times…in different cities. And we decided to make that work for at least a year, after which I’d join him. It was awful and I HATED my job, so I gave notice, finished last week, and am now back with my HUSBAND, taking care of him while he takes care of me, working on my Ph.D. dissertation, and figuring out our next steps together.
I was replaced by someone else by my best friend.
I had a revelation, an epiphany:
We fitted together because I allowed for her, I changed and worked around her.
When she wanted someone else I couldn’t be, I chose to walk away, to the friends who’ve always been there, to a boy I know she’d look down on.
They made my life not just worth living, but enjoyable to live.
I think thats pretty good.
Feeling more comfortable in my own skin!
I’m the type of person who is self conscious about EVERYTHING. I even think that people will think I’m weird for breathing a certain way sometimes. Needless to say, it’s really hindered my ability to talk to people and it makes me feel depressed all the time.
Well recently, I decided I’m not going to give a shit anymore. It’s my senior year in high school and I’m going to do what makes me happy because I’m probably not going to see these people again regularly after I go to college.
So last night I told a friend that I have a “thing” for him. It was liberating!
I quit the whole frenemy thing which had been killing me slowly over the past two years… Technically this didn’t just happen to me: I had to be very strict with myself in order to MAKE it happen. Anyway, it’s the best thing that has happened to me in 2008! (Unless December is going to be véry good:p)
I’m glad his (former !) best friend told me about how the jerk found it funny to show my semi-nude pictures to all his friends and to mock my first kiss…I’m glad I ignored his messages after he slept with some girl who was
his words‘easier’. I got tired of having to defend myself against misunderstandings which were only caused by him (them) laying words in my mouth.I made our (planned but cancelled) reconciliation trip on my own. I left the decorated moleskinegift I made him in a train station so some stranger would be able to appreciate it. Clearly, the number of last chances I allow people to blow is not infinite. I’m so glad it’s over.Over the last five months I’ve been devoting my attention to people who are actually worth it! I’ve learned to giggle again, to not care about my weight or glasses (which I adore!),to look after myself… I undoubtedly got the better end of the deal.Wiiiiiiiiii! :DMy best guy friend became my first boyfriend, first kiss and first actual love. 2008 was a GREAT year for me. :)
Zip-lining through the tree tops in the Appalachian forests was definitely an amazing “Tarzan-esque” moment! Flying weightlessly 80 feet above the ground is an experience beyond comparison.
i went to Paris!
Over the last year, I have lost 70 lbs through a combination of exercise, diet change, and just a new positive attitude. It has completely and absolutely changed my life. I am now a comfortable size 12, and I now feel so much more liberated…and confident in myself because I MADE IT HAPPEN!
I spent a week in Big Sur (aka heaven on earth) with my best friends and am currently studying abroad in England!
I got accepted to a summer program that allows high school students to take three courses at Tel Aviv University. Even better than the opportunity for real academic challenge was getting out of my religious Jewish bubble and meeting all sorts of people from different societies and religions. I shared a room with a hijab wearing girl. My long skirt hanging next to her robe and headscarf awed a completely secular fellow student who happened to visit our room. To us it felt completely natural and we became really good friends. The best compliment I have ever received was when my new friend Murad was interrupted in conversation with me and afterward turned back to me and automatically spoke to me in his mother tongue, Arabic. “It’s because I feel so comfortable talking to you,” he explained.
getting accepted for theatre school. it’s all i’ve ever wanted to do and now here i am!!
A charming man boarded the train with cake and tea to share.
!!!
the best part of my year was finally becoming friends with my parents and younger brother.
i went to college and that created some distance between us, but whenever i see them or talk to them, i tell them everything and they not only give me advice as parents, but as a friend would.
also, my younger brother became a freshman in high school while i was a senior and that made our bond the closest it’s ever been.
i now realize how blessed i am to be able to be such good friends with my family and to be so close with them.
best part of my year, by far=)
i saved hell lot of money and travelled with my favourite band – which is from another side of the world – all across the europe during a week. at the last concert whole crew knew me & my friend and come talk to us, and the singer patted our head and danced with my country’s flag on the stage. this band saved my life a couple of years back, and at the concerts i felt so grateful for them.
sorry for broken english. it’s my graduation day tonight and i’m more or less drunk, so…
I’ve had a lot of really great moments this you, but I thing the biggest and best real “event” this year was moving in with my boyfriend. We’ve had good times and bad, but in the end we’ve learned so much about each other. So that’s the best thing that’s happened for me :)
I quit a job that I liked so I could date my boss, then found an even better job and a fabulous boyfriend! It worked out better than I imagined and I couldn’t be any happier! :)
I found the most wonderful boyfriend and I finally love myself!
Finishing, defending and passing my Masters thesis followed by graduating in Spring.
By far the best thing that happened this year was spending a week in Ireland with my boyfriend and 2 other close friends. It was an amazing week of pubbing (its a gerund now) and nature hiking (not necessarily in that order!). Can’t wait to see where we go next; We are traveling fools I tells ya! :)
the best thing that happened to me this year?
my two beautiful nephews were born! after a very hard struggle(too long and complicated to write here) , the twins were born (on mothers day, no less!), one weighing in at 4 pounds, the other a tiny 1 pound.they lived in little clear incubators with many a tube hooked up to thier tiny bodies in the neonatal intensive care unit for a few months before finally being allowed to come home.. and now they’re happy and healthy, growin teeth like its nobodys business and getting ready to crawl! aaah I love them so much!
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I fought with my boyfriend of 5 years, for the first time. We are closer than ever.
I took a stand and did something for myself. I felt trapped in a dreadful job, that looked great on paper, but ended up draining the life and soul out of me. I knew it was wrong wrong wrong to stay, but was having a very difficult time finding a new job at that time.
So? What did I do? I left anyway. And I started working for myself as a graphic designer.
Maybe the pay hasn’t been as much, but it’s given me a lot of time for personal growth, to prioritize what’s important in my life, and also give me more time to work on my own art and handmade goods :)
It may not seem like that extreme of a situation, but it was literally the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And I did it for me.
The best thing that happened to me this year was going to New York. I fell in love with the city immediately and now I have a goal in life: To move to NYC!
The best part of this year is that I am HERE, at university, on my own and studying up to be a kickass zoologist! Never before have I encountered so many opportunities; I’m planning trips to India and Tanzania within the next three years, making incredible friends, and finally learning how to LIVE. This whole things is just one crazy, mad, magical, marvelous adventure, and every day I wake up and think Wow, I can’t believe my life has turned out so great! (I also can’t believe I’m in such a good mood right smack in the middle of finals :P) Tonight, actually, I’m meeting my lovely friends for a night of cupcake-baking, feel-good movie-watching, and Artist’s Trading Card-creating. So 2008 has been stupendously amusing. And it’s funny that, right now I’m theoretically studying and learning and preparing for my Dream and the Future…but I’m so happy I feel like I’m living it right now.
Learning to just be happy and meeting gorgeous new people because of that.
The best thing thing that happened to me this year was Taking a month long trip around europe with my boyfriend. we went everywhere I had always dreamed of seeing, staying in hostels and little B&Bs and generally having a ridiculously awesome time.
- learning how to be free – seeing Barack Obama become our next president! – using a strap-on for the first time!
i love life.
Finally deciding that I should have a good relationship with my mother. I feel more mature and like I have gotten past something big that had always bothered me. Before I contradicted everything my mother said and believed, typical teenage behavior. But these days I tell my mom everything, she’s my best friend. It makes the stupid drama at school easier to get though,knowing I have a friend regarless at home. We spend a lot of time together now and have fun. It’s also made me feel more self confident. I love my mommy : )
The best thing that happened to me this year was getting to Cegep and meeting my boyfriend. He’s managed to open up my life to so many different things, and he managed to give me the courage to do what I want to do, for once!
I had to let go of two men that I liked very much. That was probably my least favorite part of the year, but the strengthened and healthiness I gain was amazing.
That i get to wake every morning and be healthy and loved!!!! :D
moving in with my boyfriend!
My awesome fabulous boyfriend! thats the best thing happened to me this year, and will be the best thing forever! he is the bestestestest!!! :D
The best thing that happened to me this year: I was huddled under a blanket in my living room with my angel of them all, Miss Caitlin, and we were watching the election results. And the anchors were getting more and more anxious, because they knew it was over, but they couldn’t call it until polls closed on the West Coast and Brian Williams got so excited that he said “Spread the needle” instead of “Thread the needle” and all of a sudden we knew, we knew we had a president-elect Obama on our hands and Cait and I were hugging and crying and laughing and it was too unreal to be real and it was!
Stay cool y’all
The best thing that happened to me this year was starting and finishing a university degree that will lead me into the career I’ve been looking forward to for the last ten years.
The best thing? Moving back to sunny, warm and humid Florida after spending 4 years in St. Louis Missouri. Don’t get me wrong, I heart St. Louis big time, but at the same time, Florida feels like home to me. I love humidity! I know many many people bitch about it, but it feels great on my skin and in my nostrils. I dry out so quickly and end up a flaky mess without my beloved Florida humidity.
Not to mention our “new to us” 1960’s ranch home that we are renovating in the true atomic-60’s retro style. Sputniks, terazzo floors, pull-down light fixtures, wall hung PINK sinks and tubs… LOVE!
And manatees in the canal in our backyard. Sigh. I’m in heaven. It’s a great way to blog in the mornings… manatees and sea turtles while you answer emails, watch the sunrise, and the ocean breeze (4 blocks to the beach!!) cooling my coffee. Tres’ perfect!
My family is finally starting to get along together after 15 years of hell. I’m pretty happy right now!
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I fell in love with my boyfriend ♥♥♥ I asked him out using your advice, thanks so much! xxx
My best thing was getting even closer to the girl I love when I didn’t think we’d even finish the year together (I figured I’d have to move and that would be that; I was used to things ending). Now we’re living together and we’ve promised to see this through, so I know how I’ll keep warm over the holidays!
Realizing that LIFE IS MINE. Fuck yeah it’s good to be free :D
launching my business! it has been in the works for nearly two years, and I have done 3 shows so far this fall at which i have very nearly sold out of ALL Of my merchandise, and my brand new website launched this week! I make clothing, toys and accessories that are either hand knit, or made entirely out of recycled and upcycled materials.
my web designer is an amazing man who has provided me with incredible creative and emotional support, and I am THRILLED to be finally doing what I have always dreamed of doing with my life!
By far… I went to the Dis for the millionth time, but this time with my best friend and my little brother! We spent a wonderful two weeks with my grandparent- some days while they worked on the Dream Squad, giving out prizes for the Year of a Million Dreams and making people’s dreams come true. My grandfather got to give away the night stay in Cinderella’s Castle suite and just hearing about the joy of the family winning overwhelmed me with happiness. The two weeks spent with my Disney Dorks, best friend, and little brother was the best thing that happened this year!
Getting into NYU, getting the huge scholarship to NYU, and most definitely, going to and living in nyc.
I moved out on my own… and LOVE it!
Best thiinggggg.. hmm.. I’m gonna go with getting back with my boyfriend after breaking up for 2 months and then spending almost every day with him ever since :O) Love is totally the best.
My blog took off, people took notice, and I got a new job because of it. :)
This might sound strange but tearing my ACL and having to have surgery on it.
That was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Meeting someone wonderful who changed my life for the better. He has been the catalyst for so many positive changes in my life, and has really showed me the good things in the world. I’ve never felt happier, more free or more loved. :)
I fell in love with myself, and I can tell it is only the beginning of a life long romance.
I realised that me being me was enough. I don’t need to meet anyone’s else standards. Just my own which I have relaxed to accomodate me!. I don’t need to be a (UK) size 8 – I don’t need to have long blonde hair (have been red, amber, pink, brown, golden blonde and platnum so far!). I just need to be me and thats enough.
Best thing to happen to me was probably to rush my Fraternity. Its one of those things I never expected to do in life and I literally decided to do it an hour before the info meeting started. I’ve gotten to help out our community in a big way since we are a co-ed community service frat and along the way I have met some awesome, caring people. It really is a giant family, where you may not be best friends with everyone but you love them all and they love you and when hard times come along they have your back. Not to mention that I met an awesome boy who is now a good friend of mine (hopefully one day something more ^.~) who makes me want to be a better person just by seeing how amazing he is.
wow I’m sappy
i moved into my darling apartment in a new city and the quest to make a new life here.
I lived in London for 4 months ah!
Smiling, meaning it with every nerve in my body, and doing so with increasing frequency.
I decided to become a Sculpture/Metals major at school!
Well even though I got accepted to study overseas and am now on the other side of the world, I am finally happy because I have someone to go home to!
Also pretty corny but I got a really good mark for my interview with a certain Ms Darling. Thankyou!
Meeting some amazing friends that share my values and aspirations in life. Realizing how truly supportive my parents are, and that they do want the best for me.
I’ve gained a newfound confidence in my ability and beauty.
Contact lenses! I can see clearly now. ;p
I stopped daydreaming and started to actually live my life.
The best thing to happen to me this year sort of hasn’t happened yet, and sort of already has. My dad has agreed to give me the most awesome Christmas gift I could ever imagine: a plane ticket to Washington D.C. for January 19-21. I GET TO SEE BARACK OBAMA’S INAUGURATION! It’s amazing, and such a monumental event. As an African-American woman, I felt such pride and joy on the night of November 4th, and I feel truly blessed to witness the official beginning of Obama’s presidency.
I guess the best thing to happen this year didn’t really happen to me, but to my sister. She has had interrelated stomach and lung problems for a long time, and finally she had the last surgery to correct everything (the surgery before included the removal of her entire left lung)!! She no longer has to a bowful of pills in the mornining, or worry about what she can or can’t eat, or taking her reflux medication 30 minutes before she eats. In the past, she had to be on steroids for an entire year because she had such a bad immune system. She would also have to miss school every other monday because she had to have Vitamin C drips for two hours to prevent her from getting pnemonia (she had it 6 times in kindergarten alone! she’s now 16). Anyways, I would have to say that is the best thing that has happened to me – knowing that my sister will no longer be sick and lead a life of restrictions : )
Well, I have a tie. My niece was born (March 9! Only two days after my birthday) and I got a new job that I love so far. Yay!
I met some of the most amazing, wonderful people!
Me and my ex broke up, letting me realize that I actually wanted to be with someone else. And I’m still with that guy, about 6 months later :]
my cold black heart melted
I’ve made some really good friends and met some amazing people through theatre.
I’ve realized how amazing my friends are and how very lucky I am that I have such supportive people around me. I hear stories about people being back stabbed by their close friends and that has NEVER happened to me and I know these guys wouldn’t ever hurt me like that.
I decided to face the future and live it.
getting an internship at a fashion magazine. it’s one step closer to my dream :)
I finally decided to get help for something that’s been plaguing me for a long time.
For five years, I’ve been dealing with having bulimia nervosa, terrible self-image issues, and just generally low self-esteem. I never liked the way I looked, and shopping trips with my friends, which should have been fun, were like torture. I never tried to get help, or even tell anyone, because I was sucked into that mindframe of thinking “If I keep doing it, I’ll end up being thin and pretty and then that will be that.” But it never really works out that way, does it?
Well, in the midst of my self-harming ways, I met a boy at the end of my freshman year of college and we became fast friends. We would hang out during the last weeks of the school year and eventually found out that he only lived 25 minutes away from me. We dated over the summer and into the new school year, and he eventually found out about my eating disorder because…well, I decided to tell him! Which was a big step in itself!
He supported me when I was at my lowest and urged me to tell my parents and get help. I ignored it for a while until I just got FED UP. Fed up of being sad all the time, fed up of hating clothes and food and myself. So I told him that, yes, I was going to get help, but it wasn’t because of his urging, it was because I finally felt that I was ready and mature enough to let go of something so stupid, even though it’s been a major part of my life for so long. I start counseling next week, but I already feel better! I finally feel well on my way to having full control over my life! It’s made me happier than I ever thought I could even be.
So, hopefully this didn’t come out as a sob-story, because I wanted to make it sound somewhat empowering, because that’s how I feel!
The best thing that happened to me was getting over my fear of flying so that I could go to France for three weeks! Now I feel like I can go anywhere!
Meeting my loverman. Best thing EVER! Especially after being trapped in a loveless marriage for the past 4 years. I know I am truly blessed to have been able to meet someone new and discover that love truly does exist. Swooooon!
Best thing that happened to me this year?
This may seem odd, but it’s when we all found out that my brother’s golf-ball-sized brain tumor was benign. The doctors were fully expecting it to be the bad, cancerous kind of tumor. They were wrong, and it’s the ‘good’ kind. I’m so glad. :)
This year, i cut my own bangs and lost 20 pounds. At first, the bangs made me shy and afraid to go out because i cut them myself and they looked horrible, but then they grew and gave me the confidence to do anything. I can walk down the street in sweatpants and uggs and know i look great because of my fabulous hair. I also lost 20 pounds, which, combined with the confidence, caused me to get my first boyfriend.
the best thing that happened to me this year.. i have had so many amazing things happen and am so thankful for them all! but getting pregnant was definitely one the happiest, most exciting, beautiful moments for me!
There’s no way I could choose just one thing!
My boyfriend & I got back together!
I got a new dog!
I got a raise!
I got a roommate and now my rent is cut in half!
I got a car for free!
The list goes on and on! 2008 is a wonderful year!
The best that happened to me this year was breaking up with my ex. After having him there and depending on him for just about everything for almost 2 years, I’ve realized that I can stand on my own two feet and that I can take care of myself. It’s a wonderful feeling to be on my own again and to be a strong, indenpendent woman again. :]
I found out that the best company I could ever have, and could rely on was myself. I travelled alone for a lot of this year – to China for two months, to Spain, to Germany, to Holland, and soon, I will finish the year in Australia.
For a long time, there has been this aching empty space inside that I have been looking to fill up – whether with material goods, with a successful career, or being in someone’s arms, but finally, after spending so much time with myself, I realised that the void was easily filled up by me.
I found myself, and I’m proud of myself, and that, has made 2008 the best year yet. ;o)
finally discovering a my niche of friends that I’ll undoubtedly appreciate for decades. :)
I think the best thing that happened to me this year was finding something of a niche at my school. This is perhaps one of the few times in which I felt like I belonged.
I chose to attend a college I didn’t want to go to over one that made my heart beat faster. The decision was based on money, but now that I’ve been here for nearly a semester, I know that I made the right choice. I’m happier here than I ever could have been at my dream school, and a lot of that is due to the friends I’ve made here. We function as a family, eating our meals together and putting up magnets on the fridge. We do whatever needs to be done for one another, trips to the emergency room included. It was my choice to make the right decision for my family at home that led me to creating the family I have here, and that’s a good decision.
Best thing to happen this year:
Learning to separate Who I am from what I do, and the realization that I have more potential.
AND getting laid off really drove that point home. When I made the decision within Myself to change directions, circumstances rearranged themselves to make it all happen a whole lot faster.
I graduated from university and found a perfec job straight away!
I had two really good things happen to me, so I can’t pick just one – I got out of a crappy relationship and got into a better one six months later… then I got out of an awful job situation and into a much better, more recession-proof one.
This is the year I decided it was time to figure out and actively work toward my future instead of just sitting around and letting it happen to me!
I’m sure you know, but probably the best thing that has happened to me this year is that I stopped working out of my house, and opened my own shop. It has it’s ups and downs, but it was the best move I could make at the time… I’ve also really enjoyed all of the traveling I’ve done this year. Including going to Bologna, Rome, and Paris (and second) for the first time! The second trip to Paris was one of my best trips I’ve had. :)
i began my weight loss adventure-and i’ve lost 35 pounds so far, and i’m not looking back!
i found inspiration all around me! friends, family, and you gala!
The best thing that has happened to me this year is falling on love with my current boyfriend. He’s so supportive and amazingly nice, and always keeps me optimistic, even in my ugliest/most stressful moments. I always look forward to passing him in between classes and spending time together throughout the day.
He never pressures me into anything and is so considerate of my feelings. If it wasn’t for his super amazingness, I think I’d be one of those pouty, ungrateful, cranky teenagers that hates the world for no apparent reason. It amazes me how much one person has made a difference on my life and I’m truly grateful to have met/fallen in love with someone who loves me so much. If this had happened about 10 years later I think I’d be desperately hoping for a proposal XD
Lamy’s violet ink.
i made some amazing friends
Having an apartment and living alone for the first time. I found out I have always been an independent person and I’m happier taking care of my own.
Ugh: really boring but important.
I was inducted in to Psi Chi: the national honor society for Psychology. This will help me get into an awesome grad school and land me an awesome position as a Psychologist somewhere sometime so I will have the dough to buy all the fabulous stuff I want and have a rewarding job that I love :-)
The best thing that happened to me this year was seeing my baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays, play in their home stadium for the first time. I’d seen them play in Seattle, because I live on the West Coast, but it was totally different seeing them play in the stadium I’d been seeing on TV since I was just a kid. It was such a thrill. I also got to meet one of my favourite Jays players, who turned out to be the sweetest, kindest ‘famous’ person I’ve ever met, and I still get all fluttery and happy every time I think about that. It was a good year! =D
The best thing that happened to me this year was my fabulous 3-week trip to Europe with my family (I live in the U.S.). I hadn’t been to Europe in 5 years and have really been missing it there.
The best thing that happened to me this year:
that’s so easy, my trip to Mongolia, thanks to my parents, I got another ‘family’ on another continent, I made great friends and I finally noticed who my real friends are and who aren’t
I finally realized that I don’t have to live my life like my parents want me to. I deserve that much.
This year was full of celebrations, I couldn’t just pick one!
I got to celebrate my puppy’s 1st birthday (she’s a red long-haired mini/small standard dachshund called Peanut with the loveliest, most playful personality you’ll ever meet in a dog).
I got engaged and will be getting married next summer! Eeee!
I finally got accepted for a school grant that I’d been fighting to get for a year and a half.
I made some new friends and learned some new skills through my education. I welcomed some new step siblings, as my dad got married, too.
All in all it’s been an awesome year and I feel so lucky to be happy & healthy. I hope 2009 brings more of the same! (Even if it doesn’t, I can’t help but look for positives in everything so I’ll probably have a long list of “best things that happened to me” even if hardly anything did! haha)
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I finally realized that life is worth living and that I am so grateful for everything in my life. And that its ok to take chances and plan the impossible, because that’s what life is, I am now working towards my goals, which meant changing my major, planning on studying abroad, being more socially active and smiling more.
The best thing that happened to me this year…
...was seeing my fashion dream come to life as I went to Paris to work as an intern for Martine Sitbon’s Rue du Mail and to see my work walk down the runway (I pleaded most of the garments in the Fall 2008 show).
I went to New York with no money, no job and no friends and just LIVED. It was the most exhilerating experience of my life, I think I owe the inspiration to do so to Miss Gala, but I’ve never been more proud of myself in my life. I finally feel like an adult. :)
I graduated from college…then decided to follow what I wanted and not jump into my career immediately. I’m taking time for myself, learning who I am and what I want, and remembering what it’s like to breathe.
For the first time, I came to the realization that I am capable of so much more than I previously thought of myself. I got accepted to a fabulous internship which led to a promotion. I discovered [school-wise] what really sparks my interest, and pursued it.
For the first time, I came to peace with my body and talents, realizing that if any of the aforementioned things were to be changed the slightest bit, I would not be who I am today.
I made a difference in someone else’s life.
I fell in love.
What I’m trying to say is that the best thing that happened to me this year is that I became truly happy with my looks, realized the extent of my capabilities, and fell in love with someone special [as well as myself].
I’m happy to say that this is a tough question! I guess the turning point of this year was going on a retreat where I learnt about healing empowerment and started to meditate regularly. Life has been pretty much miraculous since – I’m on my way to recovering from a supposedly incurable disease and living independently. Hip hooray for 2008!
best thing – sharing the year with my best friend/loverboy. despite all the shitty things that have been thrown at us this year (family problems, job problems, on&on&on!) we had someone to rant at when things got awful, and help to pick up the pieces. PURE CHEESE WARNING, but i don’t think i could have done it without him.
Becoming a cartoon voice actor!
I moved to Minneapolis, moved into my very own studio apartment downtown and I’m flying the friendly skies in my career as a flight attendant. I’m happy, in and out of relationships, and I’m working really hard to like myself as who I am. It’s been a hard year, but it’s been worth it.
I got to spend 4 months in the south african savannah where i got to experience:
- finding monkeys eating my food and cleaning their fingers in the towels
- almost stepping on a puff adder, the most dangerous snake in south africa (and of course i had to run into it)
- chasing giraffes until i ran out of breath
- watch the sun rise and sing lion king’s “circle of life” on the top of my lungs
any of these are more than enough to make this year PRICELESS and THE BEST YEAR SO FAR!
This has been one of the best years of my life so far, so it’s hard to pinpoint one specific thing.
So, at random, one of the many best things to happen to me this year was being cast in the first play of my university’s season this fall. I’m a drama major, and I’ve been acting since I was 5, so I’ve done a lot of plays, but this was by far the best production I’ve ever been involved in. I was so proud of my work in it, made some marvelous new friendships, inspired some audiences while challenging & even offending others (which gave me a feeling of great satisfaction, to be completely honest).
After having a tough year I went and did some voluntary teaching in China and had the most rewarding experience ever. I laughed, I cried and most of all I realised how lucky I am. Then I travelled on my own for one month, rediscovered my motivation, stroked and fed a panda, climbed the great wall, met and shared stories with incredible people. I was sad to leave but then so happy and appreciative to come home and see my friends. It is the best thing that has happened to me and that I have done this year and ever.
Getting a writer’s residency in a cute cottage in the middle of winter! The cottage was haunted, of course, but ghosts are good for writing.
Becoming single! I am now an eligible young professional, got my first boy-less apartment and a precious pooch to replace him, and have made SO many wonderful and inspiring friends since I left him who like to show me just what I’m worth!
I decided on three days’ notice to make a solo trip to Iceland over Thanksgiving break! I loved the country and the people, and it was such a wonderful experience for me. It was only for eight days, but I feel so much stronger and bolder for it!
I have been dealing with some really difficult things in my life and family this year, and was in a place where I had so little faith in myself. Traveling to and through Iceland on my own – just making a dream come true NOW instead of someday, making things work out and happen once I was over there, not to mention seeing all the incredible things I saw and having all the wonderful interactions I had – was so restorative. I feel so centered now, so secure in myself – like I’ve just recognized myself for the strong, gutsy, cool, smart person that I am.
I dyed my hair pink!
I spent an amazing July/August in Spain with some amazing new friends!
This is going to sound terribly bland, I’m sure, but I discovered true friends. I was a lowly little nerd, with a best friend who liked to boss & bully me around. She was mean, and often told me I wasn’t good at anything, but she was all I had.
After my father committed suicide, she promised to be there for me, only to turn her back and leave me stranded. I was devastated, until a group of people I had talked to only on occasion took it upon themselves to step in, and help me through it.
I ended up telling my former friend I didn’t need her, going on to embark on a newer, take-charge me, & I found love with an amazing boy of only 5’4 along the way.
I had a nervous breakdown after I was cheated on, therefore, I sought out counseling and I was diagnosed with mild depression, generalized anxiety, and insomnia. I was hurt and in pain.
Now, I see everything from a positive perspective and love all that I meet. I have never felt so overwhelmed by love in my life.
I am grateful and finally, for the first time in my life, happy.
becoming single, definitely. Realizing my own worth and putting my happiness first has been the best thing that has happened to me this whole year.
This is really cheesy but I finally learned to like my body this year and I am so grateful for that. It’s a work in progress but I have seriously improved my self-esteem so much, it is fantastic. I’m actually pretty proud of myself.
I moved to the UK for a year on exchange!
Getting accepted at university and moving, by myself, from paris to montreal. it’s been a crazy year for sure, but i’ve grown so much.
So many good things have happened to me, but I think the greatest has been connecting with people on more mature levels and learning about myself by being with them. I definitely did not have enough of that before this year.
Wow, there are a lot of replies here. You touch a lot of hearts, Gala!
The best thing to happen to me this year was that I decided to leave the past behind me and love myself, and my life, for what it is right now, to stop living in the past and to embrace all the beautiful and amazing things my life can offer.
Because of this, I was able to:
+Control a long-running eating disorder that has plagued me for close to a decade
+ Get help from a Dr and counsellor, so that I can finally fix myself and start making the most of who I am.
+ Notice and enjoy the beauty of the world around me, and rejoice that I am lucky enough to be a part of this beautiful adventure that is life.
+ Love, and be loved, and accept that there are all kinds of love in the world, and some of them live forever!
A lot of good things happened this year, but I think that one event really started it all…
I had been dating my boyfriend for 3 years and we were best friends before that, but he had been having issue with the fact that he was so young and had pretty much committed himself to one person. Every time I would leave for a field excursion (I’m a research scientist) or visit my relatives (they all live in Hong Kong), he would have doubts about our bond. We talked it out at the beginning of the school year (Sept) and we made a great breakthrough in our relationship and now I have so much more confidence in leaving to all my career and family related trips without having to feel like I’m trading off one important person for other important people. Subsequently, I was able to get published in a well-known, internationally peer-reviewed journal and I went to a conference where I won for best presentation in my section (and I got inducted into Sigma Xi, the scientific research community for this). I think having this confidence is the best thing ever since I am applying for a doctoral degree program (I’m a senior undergraduate right now) and being able to really speak about yourself is important to the selection process. And on the topic of feeling confident stepping into the next year, my dad and my brother both got new jobs, despite the bad economy (they’re both in the financial sector), so I’m really proud of them and am glad that they have the capability to do that even when there are crunches in all fields. Luckily, no one else I know has had the same bad luck in terms of getting laid off, so I’m glad that my friends and family are all safe and accounted for to get through these hard times.
Revenge.
Finding a great new apartment, having been on the best trip of my life, still having a great job and still being in a great relationship. And the little things in life :)
This year, I decided that med school wasn’t for me. After twenty years of artistic expression – writing in journals, making clothes, and doing fun photo shoots of my friends all done up in my styling and makeup – I can’t believe I was going to ignore my inherent passions to join all the other med school robots. Not that med school isn’t great for some people. But for me to do it would be like Michael Kors trying his hand at biochemistry (sorry, I’m on a major Project Runway kick right now :). I was doing it for the money and security it would bring in the future, but one day I realized that I don’t care that much about money and the more I thought about it, the more the security a medical career would bring seemed a little boring.
I’ve changed my major from biology to visual arts. Every day on my way to class, I feel excited. I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do career-wise and the road might be a little more shaky and unpredictable – but isn’t that also more fun? My integrity is more important to me than money ever will be.
I had a sudden realisation while walking down a dark empty street in Warsaw with my boyfriend in the middle of the night – I’m gonna stay with this guy forever!! :)
Getting into and coming to my dream art school, then discovering that it was the most splendid place on earth, where I could spend days dancing, walking through a forest of glass, sitting in front of a wallful of paintings and analyzing the beauty and connection with human souls, holding conversations with cute guys, holding impromptu hair dye sessions (red streaks!), learning to crochet, learning how to kiss, listening to the wildest bands, and making fantastic peacock costumes! This year I fell in love with a place so hard it hurt, and watched my heart emulsify.
Fell in Love.
Finally started to recover from my dad passing away.
Found a college where I can really see myself taking off!
Going to see the DJ Deadmau5 at Detroits Club Bleu. My friend bought me a ticket for my birthday that payed for a limo bus to take us there from our city. It was a party on the bus with free drinks and everything! Once we got to the club, we were put in VIP and had perfect view of the DJ and the whole club. It was so much fun and I’ll never forget it. :)
So many beautiful things have happened to me this year- I learned to weave, make felted hats, and sew my own clothes, to open myself up to the possibility of love, to realize when love was not growing and how to let that go, and, amazingly, learning to completely love my shape, my sacrum, myself. I gave myself permission to be exactly who I am and to love that, to accept it as miraculous and beautiful.
I stopped ignoring the obvious and started treatment for my depression. Best thing to happen to me any year!
I really got my degree underway. New tutors breathing new life into a stale dull course. I’m in line for a much much better result than I would have gotten otherwise.
getting my beautiful lil french bulldog puppy!
The best thing that happened to me this year was registering to vote and actually feeling inspired and excited when I voted!
i started enjoying life.
i overcame my eating disorder, and my self-injuring tendancies.
i started smiling again, and loving.
but probably most importantly of all, i realised that no one can no longer say anything to make me feel bad about myself. it’s wonderful!
merry christmas darling!
meeting my girlfriend, cher.
The best thing that happened to me this year is getting the chance to go to Disney. I live in Orlando and even though its so close, I just never have the money to go. I hadn’t been since I was five and I am 23 now. Somebody gave my dad the passes which he then gave to me. I went with my boyfriend and we had the most amazing day. I got to see how much everything has changed and grown and how different it is from how I remembered it. I am a huge Disney fanatic. I just got a chance to let loose and have fun and act like a little kid again. I know it sounds cheesy but, I think it just brings something out in you. I’ve been having a rough year so far and it really gave me a chance to have a good time.
It took going all the way to Spain to figure it out, but I found the me that had been there all along. And I love her!
turning 21 & learning a lot about “love” and boys. deleting numbers out of your phone book and cutting emotionally abusive boys out of your life feels great.
I obtained my dream, and living it, I had to redream it.
i.e. I am actively doing what I love, every day!
The best thing that has happened to me? I’m not sure. It’s a mix between finding the guy I’m currently with or playing in an orchestra for the first time.
I think it has to be playing in the orchestra (though my boyfriend did help me get there.) I mean, music is what moves my life. I kept going to the practices and I found out that I had to drop my part in my school play to do this, so I did. Then I thought maybe it wasn’t worth it because I wasn’t confident in my playing, but on the opening night, my heart was soaring! My boyfriend’s brother saw how happy I was and he smiled and told me he was proud of me. (He’s in the orchestra too) I was in complete bliss. We have seven more shows and I’m so geeked for them! I’ll be pretty sad when it’s over. I love playing so much!
Two really great things:
1) I learned a lot about myself and my loved ones and realized that I’m a pretty fantastic person who is surrounded by wonderful, amazing people who love me just the way that I am.
2) Found out that I’m going to be an aunt, again!
The best thing thats happened to me…its tough because its been such a changing year. Id say learning to be alone again and just doing things on my own has been the best thing i have done this year. It amazes me that i felt like i couldnt be alone just because id been with someone for 3 years so learning to be independent again and just being free to do anything i want has been the best thing to happen to me this year
The election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency.
I finally started getting over my body issues. I don’t have to be as thin as my sister to be unbelievably freaking beautiful.
I realized that I am completely content being single, and that I should stop settling for people who are undeserving.
the first time any boy has said “I love you” to me!
Best thing that’s happened to me this year:
Getting engaged to this hot guy.
farm2.static.flickr.com/1032/1…
(Yes I know it’s blurry but that’s us dancing. And I love that I get to marry someone hot that is ALSO a good dancer.)
I went to Japan!
And, I am living by myself for the first time and learning how to be alone and content!
1. i learned to love someone even though he didn’t love me back
2. i learned how important it is to follow your heart, the money will follow
3. so… i made the decision to transfer out of engineering and into communications
I think that the best thing that happened to me this year was discovering that I could be myself and people would like me that way. Before I would always tone myself down or phrase things differently to what I thought people want to hear. Now I have FINALLY discovered that I could be the uncensored version and people prefer me that way.
The best thing that happened to me this year (so far! it isn’t over yet and I’m still holding out for a lot of other good things) is that, for the first time, I gave the giant middle finger to ALL the rules and stepped out on my own.
After losing my partner, who I thought I would spend the rest of my life with (he had a nervous breakdown, started doing cocaine, moved back across the country), I packed my belongings and moved into a tiny studio. Then I applied for a grant, something I NEVER could have done even a year ago because I didn’t have enough faith in myself, and got it— along with my first book deal, from my university.
I packed everything I own into my car (getting rid of a ton of stuff in the process) and moved to another city 3 hours away to help run a collective music space. Then, well, I wrote a book.
This all seems like routine post-teenage-rebellion stuff, but it was actually pretty goddamn life-changing: To go from someone who thought her path was pre-determined, crafted, geared towards a ‘stereotypically unconventional’ marriage to a jazz musician, moving to Portland because you’re supposed to want to… to becoming a relatively liberated girl with a guitar who can make it on four wheels, several pots of coffee, and the kindness of strangers…
Well, let’s just say that it’ll be a very different me that rings in 2009.
Self-possessed, yes, but for the first time, I’ve learned to put myself first. That’s worth it, to me.
The best thing to happen to me this year would have to be my vacation to Europe.
Hiking to the top of Mount Blanc, Shopping at Louis Vuitton Paris (5 stories, can you say Heaven!?), cute Italian guys & amazing food.
The culture and atmosphere really opened my eyes and made me appreciate diversity. (:
I think by far the best thing this year, is having a sudden epiphany that I haven’t been going about life in the right fashion.
I decided that depression is not a good enough excuse for being miserable, and I am damned well going to turn my life into a spectacle of positivity!
I decided that perhaps the people I’d been hanging out with are not so well equipped for this new phase in my life
And I decided to acknowledge to myself what a creative, intelligent, sauce-mistress I am, and be damned proud of myself for it!
I see so many people saying moving out was the best thing that happened to them. But in my case was deciding do stay! Last year I came from a exchange year abroad and simply had no will of staying in my old city (Florianopolis, south of Brazil), so I decided to move to a bigger and cooler city four hours from here and was checking things such as a place to stay and study. Then on February Ive met the guy I love during a trip and took him to visit my city and he simply fell in love with it (and hes coming again from Sweden in one week to spend Summer with me. Wee) I couldnt believe how could someone think here was such a nice place. And than it happened that things started to change, I knew my city better, discovered new favourites corners, interesting people started to show up, and also realized it was important for my brother I stayed here for a little longer, and I fell in love with it, and now couldnt be happier!
The best thing to have happened to me this year is slam poetry. I discovered that I have a talent for it this past summer, and since then I have been all about wordplay and rhymes. Slam poetry has been my one way to really reinvent myself and to unapologetically say what digs at my mind…a catharsis, if you will!
I met a great guy who not only is a sweet, adorable geek, but who is also totally down with all my weird quirks (including being a complete fangirl and a slasher. His response? “I’ve kissed my fair share of guys.”) We also started “dating” whilst I was 1500 miles away in Wales, and we’re finally going on our first date in two weeks! I’m so excited.
:D
The best thing that happened to me – after a year of being let down and screwed over by guys, I met a boy with whom I immediately clicked, and from the beginning we fit together so well. He’s considerate and caring, shares my love of literature and offbeat philosophies, and is unfazed by my neuroses, and is everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s now my boyfriend and I am so happy. :)
going back t russia and seeing my grandparents and friends for the first time in 14 years!!!
I moved out of my parents’ house, became financially independent, survived a long-distance relationship, applied to graduate school to get my Master’s degree in writing poetry, and decided that my life was my own to live the way I wanted.
Not one thing, but all of them were the best!
The best thing to happen to me this year:
I fell in love with my boyfriend =>
I got selected for a full scholarship with a monthly stipend to do what I’d been dreaming of doing for a long long time….going back to studies and doing research. To make this year even more special this meant I got to move to Europe and made some amazing friends, and also travelled to France which is so close and will be going to Sweden next week! All of this free!
I learned to understand that my problems aren’t as significant as I make them out to be. There are things that are so much more important then what’s going on with me. This year I’ve learned to live selflessly and help other people out with whatever I can, just because I can.
I got to plan an amazing wedding, get married and go on a honeymoon. That’s three things, but clearly, all very awesome.
My boyfriend and I got engaged! And we found a house to move in to. So much excitement!
The best thing that happened to me this year didn’t really just ‘happen’, because it was something I made happen. I broke up with my long term abusive EX-boyfriend (seriously, it feels so fucking good to say that). It was horrible at the time, and it took a good couple of months and countless phonecalls to the police for him to get the message that I was not going to give in, but he finally left me alone. And I have never been happier! I can honestly say it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I have so much more confidence (who knew I could stick up for myself like that?!), I have a social life again, and my relationship with my family has never been better (they were all incredibly supportive throughout the whole thing – my mum even camped out on my bedroom floor for a week when I didn’t want to sleep on my own!).
I even ran into him for the first time last week while out shopping and I handled the situation beautifully, if I do say so myself! Plus, he happened to see me at exactly the right moment; I was looking and feeling good, I was with an awesome friend and we were half way through laughing at something very funny, when all of a sudden there he was. (And even though this probably makes me a terrible person, the fact that he was looking quite miserable makes me kind of perversely pleased.)
Life is good :D
I stopped caring so much about external beauty and focussed more on my sanity.
By the way, that doesn’t mean I locked the killer heels and short skirts away forver ;P It means if it’s cold outside, I’m wearin tights goddamnit!
Finding me.
I know this sounds horribly cliché and like I should belong at the end of a movie but it’s true.
This year I found myself, my aesthetics, my style, my interests and my passions!
A lot of it was of course through you, the iCiNG project and the many lovelies from the community here, but some of it was looking a little deeper into myself.
I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t deny who I am, even if it means others think I’m weird.
I loved the way that one minute you’re talking about pink cupcakes and the next you’re telling us about your new vibrator(!). It’s just so versatile and it’s truly showed me that you can be many different styles all at once, and not just one genre of yourself. I can like some things and not others, even if it’s a little contradictory.
The point of realisation of this self-discovery and new found happiness hit me about a month ago. I was just lying in bed one night and started to giggle uncontrollably!
So to sum it all up thank you everyone here for helping me discover myself!
Vixxie.
P.S If my entry wins this competition please give it a runner-up as a little x-mas gift. I’m just here to tell my story and celebrate a year of great goings ons!
P.P.S Sorry for the major essay! :>
Buying a house and making a memory of getting engaged in it. Loves it!
The best thing to happen to me this year was starting University. I was on my own and got to be myself. In the space of three short months, I developed my own style, rediscovered myself, and was- confident! I feel amazing and awesome, if I had to describe my feelings to a dessert (because we all love desserts!) I’d say that I feel like a sweet strawberry nanaimo bar with heart shaped sprinkles.
Honestly, as strange as it sounds the best thing that happened to me this year was breaking up with my boyfriend of almost six years & being out on my own for the first time. Although, on the surface, breaking up is really painful & lonely, I learned A LOT about myself as a person & being on my own has really made me start to grow as a person!
I tried to kill myself at the beginning of the year, the first week of February. I was hopelessly depressed and thought that things could never look up. I spent a week in the hospital and, in that week, learned so much about myself.
Ever since I walked out of the hospital, I have been a changed girl. Never again will I let a boy control me or push me in a direction that I’m not comfortable going in. Never again will I spend large amounts of time & energy on “friends” who won’t be there for me when I honestly need them. And never again will I feel ashamed to ask for help or ask for attention when I need it.
I feel like I have finally become comfortable with myself. That’s the best feeling in the world, and 2008 was the best year for me in terms of personal growth. I’m so happy with myself now and I didn’t need a million friends or a gorgeous boyfriend to validate that. I had myself. And I finally realize that’s all I truly need.
Taking my Seattle boyfriend(born raised and still living in Seattle-area) back home to the East Coast to meet my family and see all the sights – New York City, Rockport, Boston, Vermont…
Oh my goodness reading all these comments makes me ridiculously happy, so happy I am actually crying. I think the greatest thing I learned this year was that sometimes you just need to QUIT. I learned this when I quit my first serious job in April. From my third month working there I had hated the job. But I went on and on and each day it made me more unhappy. The problem was I kept telling myself, “this job can’t possibly be as bad as I think it is, I’m just being dramatic and making a mountain out of a mole hill”. Also, I had this idea that quitting=failure. Today I can say that quitting that job made me so much stronger and more confident. No one needs to work for positive energy-zapping trolls. Icing gave me a lot of the strength I needed to convince myself that my job was negative and that sometimes quitting is the best thing to do.
The best thing that happened to me was getting dumped (via text message!) by my controlling ex. I moved 800 miles away and I’m now living in a warehouse with lots of interesting people, working towards my goals of making a living off of my art. It was difficult at first and realy awful, but it was the kick in the pants that I needed to make some major changes.
I learned alot about who I was. I shook away the expectations of others and finished high school the way I wanted to. I got into Auckland uni. And probably the most important I found a beautiful girl to love and found the courage to go for it
the best thing that happened to me this year… oooo hard to choose.
landing a solo spot with a dance company!
I went to a two week leadership conference in Tennessee. I met some of the greatest people and learned some of the most important things in my life. I also swallowed my pride and began my college life at a community college, living at home. This is a good thing because, I needed to mend my relationships within my family and I am on my way to doing that. Very good!
I learned the joy of the unknown.
i fell in love. (:
The best thing that happened to me this year? This year! Everything that happened, good and bad. Amazing.
This year has been epic but it all comes down to the same point, the same great thing that happened. I got myself back. After struggling with severe depression and anxiety for several years, going through counselling and treatment, this year my efforts payed off. I am now off all medication, have been removed from my doctor’s “mental health watch” list, am half way to a diploma in counselling and am just generally living and enjoying life! A clear head, a strong sense of self worth and respect, a direction and purpose for my life and a massive sense of achievement are all fabulous things on their own and I been blessed to receive them all in the one year, especially in the last few months. It feels too greedy to want a prize on top of this but Im really proud of myself so Im sharing so I can brag and say thankyou instead! Icing gave me something positive to focus on when I couldnt find myself, it was a little bit of joy that made all the difference – thankyou soo very much for sharing it with us all.
one of them was: being in the front row at conor oberst and jenny lewis concert, snuggled right next to ted leo (of ted leo and the pharmiscists).
I’m learning how to meditate and I started flying a kite!
the best thing that has happened to me this year is my boyfriend propossing to me in front of everybody at his farewell party. He stopped the music, went down on his knee and asked the crucial question: “would you marry me?”. Of course I said yes! He is now studying music in Argentina and I’m finishing my major here in Panama. Other amazing things: first time travelling to another continent, falling in love with Gaudi’s city (Barcelona), tasted the best bread in the world in Israel, getting to know that war and hate are just what the media wants us to believe, asking for forgiveness at the Wailing Wall, realizing that you can be whatever you want to be.
love love love,
julz
Hii, I just want to say Merry Christmas 2008. :))
I moved out, got a permanent job that I enjoy, and started seeing an amazing boy. The best thing about this year is that I finally feel like I’m living my life, instead of waiting for life to happen.
the best thing? easy! my very first nephew was born, happy and healthy, one month early! (the day of the baby shower I might add) Landon has marked my 2008. :)
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I realized I don’t need to care about other people’s opinions about me. Before I used to be very self cautious about myself, but slowly I realized that it it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of you as long as you know who you really are.
a silly amount of good things have happened to me this year, alongside discovering galadarling.com.
and the saying “turn that frown upside down” has pretty much ruled my life.
takes a breath
I got into a prestigious 6-week summer program for high achieving high school juniors and had the MOST AMAZING TIME talking about different things with some of the biggest characters I have ever known!!!
getting on a bus and running away to another country.
Aw, reading the some of these is making me feel like this is such a small thing, but I had a hard time picking just one of a lot of small good things, which probably says something good for my life trend this year. :)
I moved out of my old apartment with a horrible, selfish, thoughtless roommate and moved in with two girls I work with. Now, instead of dreading running into my roommate, I look forward to when they’re home! Plus, it’s really helped me make some more friends and be more social, two things I’ve always had trouble with. Super great!
I have been out of touch with my grandmother for over six years. Communication virtually ended after I moved half way around the world with my mother after a bitter divorce with my father. Too make things short, my father and his family were upset with me and my mother.
Last week, she wrote me an email and I was instantly touched. So touched, that I decided to call her despite the fact that it would be awkward. Luckily she had kept the same phone number over all these years and I was able to speak with her.
Sure, it was awkward at first but I never felt so fulfilled. We caught up on all the events of the past and agreed to send her photos for Christmas. I realized how much I missed her and how cute she can be.
Chatting with my grandmother after all these years was incredibly rewarding. My advice to others would be to get in touch with an out-of-touch relative.
Peace.
-letting go of my past and my demons.
-becoming a more passionate person – discovering which life path I want to take and taking the necessary steps to get there.
-becoming more confident
-my first sexual experience
I found happiness.
I have to say that my relationship with my fiance, while not new, is definitely one of the best things about this year. I’ve moved halfway across the country for graduate school, and he’s been so supportive through it all — plus we’re planning for our wedding right now, which is so exciting!
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I realised that to get what I want I have to actually know what I want. I don’t want that prize but damn this is a good contest.
Travelling around the world for the past 16 months and then flying home to surprise my BFF and seeing our favourite band play that night and having them play our most favourite song which is super old and rare and have never played live before (!) xo
- One year anniversary with my boyfriend – on Thanksgiving, no less! – Seeing Mates of State play live. – Feeling closer to my older sister. – Getting my first pair of tattoos.
I kicked the good-for-nothing boy out of my apartment and my life.
The best thing that happened to me this year was my father getting sick.
It took him being on the brink of death for me to really open up to him and work things out. I now realize that if I want to be happy, I have to make it happen. I can’t blame my problems on him or anyone else, and I can’t wait for things to fall in my lap. My dad is doing better now, and might be out of the hospital next week.
My dad and I aren’t incredibly close, but at least for once in my life I feel like I actually have one.
decided to follow my passion in school instead of just doing what may be the more practical option :]
The Best Thing to Happen to Me This Year:
I started my art classes and realized I could love what I do. I am now happily finishing my first semester and will have my art up for a whole month in a local coffee shop!!!! YAY!
Being bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding and seeing her so happy!! Her new husband is an awesome man and is someone who really deserves her and all her loveliness xx
The best thing that happened to me this year :
I got together with the person I’ve always wanted to be with and it has been absolutely wonderful. The significant other and I have been through some tough stages in our relationship but things are going strong, and I’m happy to say that I am head over heels, in love.
I’ve finally decided to take my life into my own hands. This year has been about trying to figure out who I am, and what direction I want to take in life. I’m learning how to be more independent and trying to find my sense of style. Also, I’m learning that having a few close friends means a lot more to me than having a whole bunch, y’know?
Gaining a friendship with my English teacher has been extremely wonderful, and not to mention awesome! Having a relationship with her has been really great and eye opening. She’s helped me with a lot of my problems and has helped me to get over them. She’s really a wonderful person, and I’m glad that I was able to meet somebody like her. I look up to her. I trust her. She’s my hero, and I don’t care how lame that sounds. :)
& lastly, the best thing about this year is that I’ve finally applied to college. In my 17 years of living, that was the moment I’ve been looking forward to since the day I have entered high school. I’m excited for the future and what it may hold!
Just being, kinda. Being in school with all my old friends, and then making new ones I hope never to lose. Finding new confidants, falling in love, all this happening in highschool. T think this year has been THE greatest
In July, my husband had a motorcycle accident. He has an acquired brain injury.
This is the best thing that has happened to me this year.
Why?
Because I have learnt to be still. To react with care and consideration. To make decisions for others. To stand on my own 2 feet. To realise I am a strong, capable and independent woman. I got rid of the frenemies. I worked out what is important to me, and my family.
Put simply – I’ve grown up. I truly feel like an adult now.
Getting the opportunity, at nearly a moments notice, to fly to NYC – - – which never would have been a possibility if I had never met my friend J and started a little cupcake competition called Iron Cupcake.
The best thing that happened to me this year was learning to be kinder to myself and to appreciate the small things. Hanging out with my baby a lot helped.
i became a better person.
Opening myself myself to people, my boyfriend, and to me – thanks to taking an acting class. :)))
The best thing that happened to me this year is in fact the best thing that has happened and will happen for the rest of my life.
Long story short, I had planned to move to Scotland. My choosing to move derived from all the wrong reasons. On September 10th, i met the girl who changed my life. After meeting her i realized all my reasons for leaving were to run away from my problems. From the moment i met her i fell head over heels in love with her. i just knew in my heart she was the one. I ended up having to move to Scotland a month later due to difficult circumstances. i talked to her via skype every night i was there. i worked all day and stayed up all night just so i could see and talk to her. after a month i couldnt stand being away from her. simply i loved her and missed her so much it hurt. so the day i was paid i packed up all my stuff and found my way back to the U.S. i arrived in denver and drove straight up to see her.
Since then i have fallen even more in love with her. i know she is the one. she gave me a reason to come back. a reason to stay. she is the best thing ever to happen to me. i wouldn’t trade her for the world itself.
-Meg Shine,
I LOVE you with all my HEART, undoubtedly, unquestioned, and for all the right reasons. i will always love you for who you are and support you in everything you do. i will always be here for you and i will never leave you again. you are my EVERYTHING, my WORLD. Thank you for being you and giving me a reason to stay. i LOVE you baby.
I graduated! It happened in May, after working towards a BA on and off since 1999. Finally! Felt soooo good. And also, the last paper I did at the start of the year was one of the best of the entire degree, and I got my first A for it!
This is so totally lame, but getting a single room in my dorm. It has made my life SO much easier!
finding yourselves dangerously close or in an “accidental” comprimising position never fails to spark something ;D
it hasn’t been easy but the best thing that happened this year is finally falling in love with myself.
it was a 25 year battle but I finally feel good about the person I am and that i’m a worthy addition to this crazy world we live in:)
I moved to a new province and decided to become a writer!
I broke up with my boyfriend. I had spent the entirety of our relationship – which lasted a year and a half – thinking that I needed him to be happy and love myself. I was convinced that I was NOTHING without him, which inevitably led to super self-destructive habits such starving and cutting myself. My friends came to my rescue after we broke up and they were able to convince me over time that I’m a beautiful person with a lot to offer to the world, and now I celebrate my independence and I’m having the time of my life. :)
Well, 2008 was a great year for me; I got into a book, Barack Obama got elected, but I’d say the very best thing, even though it took me awhile to acclimate myself to the idea of it, having been very staunchly Steinem-ish for so long… I got engaged!
Is the contest still open?
If it is…
This year, I realized I love who I’ve become, even though I still get insecure sometimes :)
and that’s the best thing that’s happened to me.
Going off to university and getting a fresh start, where I can keep changing myself for the better
I learnt to control my anxiety using EFT which has changed my life, from me being inwardly a bit of a wreck to being confidant and actually trusting myself!
Also this helped me get married yesterday, which I never would have been able to do if I wasn’t able to trust myself, and I used EFT for my nerves!
Losing my virginity to and falling more and more in love with my perfect boyfriend, my parents splitting up officially (because they’ve had an unhealthy relationship for the past ten years and are both much happier now), making a wonderful group of friends at my university that I know I can count on for anything!
finally kissing a boy I’ve been in love with for THREE YEARS! And then kissing him again!;)
The best thing that happened to me this year is that I ended a friendship and made new ones.
I fell in love with a wonderful man and ten months later he moved to the same city as me! :D :D :D
The best thing that has happening to me this year… Spending quality time with my awesome close knit group of best friends. Who inspire me and help keep my dreams aflot. All i need in life really!
After being heartbroken so many times by less than perfect guys, this year i finallllly found the right one! :)
I quit doing a uni course I hated and moved to Paris in search of.. I don’t know but it’s been an adventure so far!
I finally told my friends about the boyfriend I’ve secretly been with for close to 17 months.
Even though nobody else can understand how I’m feeling, I’m so happy that it’s out of the bag so that the world can see how content I am, and have been.
I found a friend, who very soon became a close one. We had a wonderful summer here in Estonia riding with bikes, smoking, partying and telling secrets…
I started university and figured out that the real world suits me far better than the high-school microcosm.
Figuring out that it’s never, ever, ever too late.
it’s amazing to read all the wonderful that have happened to people this year.
2008 wasn’t my best year but i think the best thing to happen to me this year has been having the opportunity to learn about myself. i ended a long-term relationship and really began to explore the things that i am passionate about. i hope to continue to grow in the new year. i’m so excited for 2009 though!
xo
It’s so lovely reading these comments! So many fabulous things happen all the time, it’s good to be reminded of that.
For me, I’m in the 4th year of an extended masters degree and have just been accepted onto an amazing, esteemed graduate teaching programme. Their mission is to “address educational disadvantage by transforming exceptional graduates into effective, inspirational teachers and leaders in all fields”. How fantastic is that?! I’m guaranteed to be spending the next 2 years teaching English at a ‘challenging’ school in London and I can’t wait. The lovely thing is that I can really enjoy the rest of my degree without worrying about what I’ll do with myself after gradution. Being in London means I’ll be close to home and my fabulous boyfriend and the programme has loads of fantastic business links and schemes…I feel like my future is shiny bright.
I finally learned to get along with my mom, and I’m so thrilled about it! I was always sad about how different we were and how much that pushed us apart. But this year something changed, and now I’m so happy to be able to see her as a friend.
I was able to score an amazing job that I love. It makes my life so much better and I am so more happy. Not to mention I spent another lovely year with my boyfriend. There were some tough times this year and without him I’m not sure how I would have gotten through it.
The best thing that has happened to me this year was meeting the love of my life. I couldn’t imagine the person I would be now without him.
The best thing that happened to me this year was when the boy I have a geek-crush on gave me his phone number. Everything looked five times as beautiful that day! I felt like the world was fizzing and everything glowed.
2008 has contained some truly crappy things, but the more I thought about it, the more I remembered of the stuff that’s been good, too. I had more sex this year than I’ve had in the entire rest of my life put together, broke off a long-term relationship that I wasn’t happy in, started reteaching myself how to sew my own clothes, got to see Cirque du Soleil (!!), sold a painting and some commissioned work, started dressing up and really caring more about my appearance (and discovered the fun of makeup!), bonded a lot with my mom, decided to take my life into my own hands (and made a conscious decision to improve myself)...
I managed, after many trials and tribulations, to arrange everything so that I’ll be going back to school in January to finish my degree (the best part? I don’t have to pay for any of it), and started meeting the beautiful friends I’ve made over the internet in person! (One in August, another in a couple of days, and another – who lives nearly on the other side of the world – at the end of the month, eeeee!)
I forgave my father for dying three years ago.
I finally got a passport!!
My baby turned four and I got a long-long-long-awaited Beetle!
Plus a friend told me about this website, and I love it!
Hey, this has finally loaded for me! I had such trouble last night loading all the comments (sorry gala, for emailing you)!
Anyway, the best thing(s) that happened to me this year is/are…
My ever changing relationship with the guy I love and our one year wedding anniversary. Also, I finally got straight A’s in college, for the first time ever! It took me until graduate school to be able to do that :o) And finally, I think that I have become “domestic!” I love baking and decorating and all those kinds of things now!
The best thing that has happened to me this year is going to college… finally being able to be honestly challenged in classes, being around people in my classes who are intellectually stimulating, taking awesome classes that were never available in high school… Most of all, depending on myself to get everything done! My parents are supporting me money-wise for college, but I have my own job for any pocket money. It’s made me so much more independent and confident.
I got into grad school and received a fellowship! Finally my life is going somewhere. Woohoo!
I went to Australia and New Zealand this summer, and it honestly changed everything in my life.I realized that I can do whatever I want in life, as long as I work my ass off for it and have a little luck at the right time. Along with my discovery of this site I think I’m growing to be a better person. :)
the best thing to happen to me this year was being exposed to the world of noise. i love watching all the creative bands and the unique sounds they make!
though a close second would be reading icing all year long! i love you, gala! (:
I got back together with the love of my life after not having seen him for about a year =)
I am absolutely certain i have experienced the coolest thing of all time this year.
i broke into a giant neighborhood christmas tree (yes, i know where the secret door is, i saw them put the tree up!) and had the most romantic sexual experience inside, with my darling love. The lights were swirling around us, and it wasn’t too cold. It was the most romantic experience, at the same time as being the coolest ‘place i’ve had sex’ story of ALL TIME!
i got accepted to a university program in argentina, starting next semester! it’s going to be very different from the u.s. but i’m so excited!
I got promoted into a job that I adore! I look forward to going to work every day.
I moved in with the kindest, lovliest and most special boyfriend anyone could ever want! (Trying soooo hard not to sound smug.)
Oddly enough, the best thing that happened to me this year was my boyfriend cheating on me with, and subsequently dumping me for the girl who worked at the video store up the road from our house.
I never realised it at the time, but I was totally bored and miserable while we were going out – I sat on the couch watching Friends DVDs most of my spare time.
So that happening really jerked me out of that shitty routine and in a weird way brought me back to life. I’m now myself again, only way more awesome and stronger than ever. It’s funny how getting kicked in the teeth can be the thing that makes your life better.
The singer of one of my favourite bands kissed me and asked me out on a date!
marrying my husband and getting a photo with tigees in my wedding dress, totally, best thing EVER.
I applied to medical school. I won’t hear how it went until next year, but I almost don’t even care. (_I applied to medical school!_)
I got the best uni marks ever – all high distinctions, nothing below 90!
I discovered me again. After five years of depression, I’ve finally started to love myself again and let other people love me back.
My sister had a baby and I got to be in the room when my nephew was born! Not only that I’ve got to watch my sister turn into a mommy and it has been so exciting!
The best thing that happened to me this year was a breakup and its aftermath. I got out of a not-so-great relationship, had a solid 6 months of singledom and re-discovering myself, and then met the most glorious boy ever, who I have now been dating for nearly 3 months. The end.
This summer I went to Russia, which is very I’m originally from, for the first time in six years. I finally got to see everyone from my childhood — from family (grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles) to friends even to our old apartment. It was one of the most bittersweet experiences I’ve ever had, but I think it helped me think more about what i want out of my life and to kind of rediscover myself. There is nothing like seeing people that have known you literally from when you were born and have this absolute unconditional love for you that never fades, lessens, or goes away.
:)
The best thing that happened to me this year was falling in love with a man who, for the first time, has helped me see that I’m beautiful.
With his help, I’ve recovered from an eating disorder that took me to 92pounds at 5’2” at the very lowest.
Discovering your blog! (I’m not just trying to get suck up points haha – some of your advice has been a great help to me!)
Working for the Clinton campaign and rediscovering my political voice. It was the most amazing year and I got an opportunity to travel across the United States and talk to people I never would have met otherwise. I’ve always been a feminist but this year reminded me to continue the fight.
My dad recovering from his illness! It has been one tough year!!! I see the change in him now and realise it’s for the better. He has come to realise what’s important in life…and so have I. Our family has grown much closer. I see nothing but positivity for 2009!
Graduated cosmetology school and got my ESTHETICS LICENSE!! i’m sooo stoked about getting a job as a makeup artist and/or a skin therapist. can’t wait!! =D
2009 is going to be such a good year, i can feel it.
thanks for these contests, it’s so awesome!
I had my first orgasm!
I can’t decide wich was better:
Being proposed by my boyfriend;
Moving in with him; or
Deciding to change carreers and going back to university to study to become an architect.
All in all, 2008 was an amazing year.
Falling more & more in love with my boo & us two coming closer to each other.
Running a 5K and deciding to train for a half marathon!
taking my first step towards overcoming something that completely rules my life, social anxiety. it’s a horrible thing to live with & it affects every single thing that i do, so getting some relief will be the best thing to ever happen to me!
The best thing that happened to me was finding out what i wanted to do with my life
just like a revelation. i was sleeping and when i woke up i just knew it
“I’m opening my own psychiatric hospital”. Yes, that’s what I want to do.
I’m so happy :)
I stopped being so afraid of everything.
I rediscovered some old friendships. A year at college left me wondering how everyone else seemed to have so many blossoming, perfect relationships, while I only had a handful. I got a chance to reconnect with good people over Thanksgiving, and I realized how much we all really care about each other and how happy we make ourselves. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
I don’t know if I’m too late to enter this, but I’ll say it anyway!
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I met my boyfriend :)
I was stuck at home babysitting my little sister and watching Eurovision (which I LOVE) and because I didn’t have anyone to gossip to about the mental dancing or jazzy outfits, I ended up on a thread about it on an internet site. I started talking to Ben (the b/f) and over the next couple of months we got to know each other really well, and eventually he travelled ten hours by train to come and see me. Since then we’ve been together and see each other every couple of weeks. The long distance is hard, but it’s totally and entirely worth it the minute I see him coming off the train.
Being with Ben has made me a lot more self confident (if he thinks I’m beautiful, I feel beautiful) and it’s helped me cope a lot better with the Winter- I have seasonal affective disorder and get pretty low around this time of year.
Anyways, I’m sorry for rambling, but I feel so so lucky and wanted to share it with you guys!
The best thing that has happened to me this year is celebrating my 1 year anniversary with my amazing and sexy husband and being pregnant with our first child a baby girl.
i got engaged!!!
I found who I am without a long term boyfriend and discovered what I wanted out of life. Best year ever!!!!
How do I pick one?!
I found who I am without a long term boyfriend and discovered what I wanted out of life. Best year ever!!!!
(Not to mention the fact that you singlehandedly are responsible for me finding a passion and skill I never knew I had, and through that found a friend who I am sure will be a lifelong one
The best thing that happened to me this year was I discovered self-help articles were actually helpful.
Previously I had believed they were corny, cheesy, typical stuff I had heard before. So I never even bothered to read one until the Icing site and several other of my favourite blogs kept linking to them.
I used to have severe depression, but now I see it’s all just a result of my state of mind, and if I believe I can get out of it I can.
the best thing that happened was life turning the odds upside down at the best of times, the most impossible things somehow coming true (in a good way) and discovering what really to live for.
I tried posting before but it didn’t work!
The one best thing that happened to me was the epiphany I had on the bus home from visiting Montreal with a friend. I was disappointed that she hadn’t wanted to make it a longer trip since I had to bus quite a long way to meet her there, but I had a bus seat to myself, it was sunny, my favourite song just popped up on random play on my MP3 player, and I had grapes to snack on (lovelovelove grapes) so I decided I was happy even though my weekend had been too short.
Then I realized that if I was ever unhappy, it was mostly by personal choice and that I could decide to choose happiness instead. I could choose to be happy whenever I wanted. Now whenever I get negative feelings I think back on that day and it’s usually not too long before I start feeling better :-) I think I’ve generally been a better person since then, and it’s really reflected on many aspects of my life.
I bought a t-shirt with mr. feeny’s face on it, from boy meets world.
When the guy of my dreams asked me to marry him.
On a cliff.
Overlooking a moonlit river.
On a starry autum night.
(I dropped the ring. Off the cliff. Into the moonlit river. But he laughed and said, ‘It’s only a ring, we can replace it.)
It doesn’t get much better then that!
Eating baked beans and toast off a campstove, by the side of the Seine, with my loves.